














"-^^ >* 



.0 











% 



>^>l.^-..% 

.\"^ '^ . 






8 I A ■* \ V 



*' 8 I A 



8 I A " \ 



..#' 



\ 



..# 



■?/. '"/ ..V s^ ^L^' 



A^ 







.'^ 






,*'^^^ 








vC^ ■'■^, 






SOCIAL LIFE m FORMER DAYS. 



EDINBURGH : PRINTED BY THOMAS CONSTABLE, 
FOR 

EDMONSTON AND DOUGLAS. 

LONDON, . . HAMILTON, ADAMS, AND CO. 

CAMBRIDGE, . . MACMILLAN AND CO. 

DUBLIN, . . . M'GLASHAN AND GILL. 

GLASGOW, . . . JAMES MACLEHOSIO. 




SOCIAL LIFE m FORMER DAYS, 



filjteflg hr tijt ^rnbhrtc oi p;0rag. 



ILLUSTRATED BY LETTERS AND FAMILY PAPERS. 



BY E. DUNBAR DUNBAR, 

(late) captain 21st fusiliers. 




THUNDERTON HOUSE. 



EDINBURGH. • EDMONSTON & DOUGLAS. 

MDCCCLXV. 



PREFACE. 

When arranging the family papers at Duifus House, 
Gordonston, and liesmurdie Cottage, the residences 
respectively of my brother. Sir Archibald Dunbar, 
my cousin, Sir Alexander Gordon Gumming, and my 
kinsman. Captain James Stewart, I occasionally found 
documents which appeared to me to throw consider- 
able lio^ht on old social life, or to be otherwise 
interesting, and which I therefore sent to the local 
press. 

Wishing to give them a more extensive circulation, 
I now venture to offer them, systematically arranged, 
to the public. 

E. DUNBAE DUNBAE. 

Sea Park, July I860. 



TABLE OF CONTENTS. 



PAGES 

I. EDUCATION, . . . . . 1-16 

II. MEDICAL, . . . . . 17-29 

III. PRICES OF PROVISIONS, . . . 30-32 

IV. POSTAL ARRANGEMENTS, . . . 33-34 
V. TRAVELLING, .... 35-37 

VI. TAVERN BILLS, .... 38-41 

VII. FIELD SPORTS, .... 42-46 

Vin. QUARANTINE, . . . . 47-51 

IX. FISHINGS, ..... 52-60 

X. IMPRESSING FOR THE NAVY, . . 61-63 

XL SMUGGLING, ..... 64-70 

XII. THE FAMILEES OF BURGIE AND OF GRANGE, 71-76 

XIII. AN EXTRAVAGANT AND UNDUTIFUL WIFE, 77-79 

XIV. OFFICE OF HERITABLE SHERIFF OF MORAY, 80-86 

XV. TRANSPORT OF A PRISONER, AND JAIL OF 

INVERNESS, . . . . 87-92 

XVL COUNTRY MATTERS, . . . 93-100 

XVIL EDINBURGH GOSSIP, . . . 101-104 

XVIII. LETTERS FROM LADIES OF RANK, . 105-127 

XIX. GENIAL LETTERS, .... 128-137 



VIII CONTENTS. 

PAGES 

XX. YOUNGER SONS, .... 138-143 

XXI. WHOLESALE MERCHANTS, . . 144-152 

XXn. DRINKING-SONC, .... 153-158 

XXin. ELGIN TOWN-COUNCIL, . . . 159-174 

XXIV. INCORPORATED TRADES OF ELGIN, . 175-178 

XXV. AN INA^ERNESS BAILIE'S ADVICE AND 

ASSISTANCE, . . ... 179-184 

XXVI. MERCHANTS' LETTERS, . . . 185-191 

XXVII. RECEIPTS AND ACCOUNTS, . . 192-199 

XXVIII. POETIC EFFUSIONS AND BEGGING LETTERS, 200-204 

XXIX. IN\^ENTORY OF HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE, 205-213 

XXX. PARLIATvIENTARY EXPENSES AND POLITICS, 214-231 

XXXI. ECCLESIASTICAL, .... 232-260 

XXXIL WITCHES, ..... 261-273 

XXXIII. FUNERALS AND FUNERAL LETTERS, . 274-283 

XXXIV. WILL OF THE DEAN OF SALISBURY, 1618, 284-291 

XXXV. CATTLE-STEALING, .... 292-296 

XXXVI. JOHN, EARL OF SUTHERLAND : HIS IN- 
FLUENCE AND POWER, . . 297-304 

XXXVII. MILITARY, ..... 305-322 

XXXVIIL REBELLION, 1715-1716, . . . 323-335 

XXXIX. REBELLION, 1745-1746, . . . 336-388 

XL. CORONATION OF GEORGE in. : SUBMISSION 

TO HIS GOVERNMENT, . . 389-392 



L EDUCATION. 

King's College, Aberdeen, was the University most 
frequented by the youth of Moray ; and students of 
the first, second, third, and fourth years' regular attend- 
ance were known respectively as Bajans, Semies, 
Tertians, and Magistrands, — designations which, we 
believe, are still applied. 

" To Master Archbald Dunbar, of Thunder toun : 

" To ye care of the Postmaster of Elgin. 

"King's College, Octr. ye I6th, 1702. 

" Sir, — If this shall chance to find you out when you 
ar wandering through the north, it is sent to inform 
you, that (because the Bajan class is fixed in our 
college) I am to enter with the Semies this ensueing 
winter ; if therfor in the course of your peregrinations 
you chance to meet with any who have a mind to 
save themselves a yeares time and expense at the col- 
lege, pray be carefuU to advise or recomend them to 
me, who (according to the late laudable custom of other 
universities) can receive them for Semies, although 
they have never been Bajans in any college. Parti- 
cularly I am informed that at the school of Elgin ther 



2 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 

is a son of Logie Cumin s and two otliers who have 
learned the Greek, but because I have no acquaint- 
ance of thier parents, and Mr. Tod the schoolmaster is 
unfriendly to our college, I must recomend them to 
your management. In a word your Alma Mater and 
old Master do be thir presents constitute and ordain 
you their Factor, sole Actor, and speciall Errand- 
bearer as to the premisses in all partes and places 
where you pass in your northern precinct. And if 
you wil be so kind to let us see you as you go south, 
you shall have the thanks of the whole house, as weel 
as the gratefull acknowledgments of. Sir, your most 
obsequious servant, Wil. Blak. 

"James Keith and his wife who ar presently with 
me drinking your good health, send their service to 
you, and therwith also my wife bids me gi^^e you 
hers." 



" King's College, Nor. ye IQith, 1705. 

"Sir,— 1 have yours and shall carefully look after 
that boy you recomend. If in your peregrination 
through the north you will be pleased to inquire 
amongst your acquaintance for such as ar ready to 
enter Semies this winter and advise them our way, 
you will do a kindness both to your Alma Mater and 
old Master, whom upon all occasions you shall ever 
find, Sir, your most obsequious humble servant, 

"Wil. Blak." 



k 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMEE DAYS. 3 

" My brother James is not com north, nor (tho' he 
sayes it) do I expect him this winter. 

" I hear that Dr. Forbes at Eloin has a son who 
might be in my Semie cLass this winter : but I have 
not the fortun to be acquainted with the Doctor, and 
therfor must put you to the trouble to speak to him. 

"If any you meet with have Latine enough, the' 
they have but a small begining in the Greek, I shall 
see they can compleat theire courses, give them as 
much (and if they please mor) Greek than ever pro- 
bably they may have use for, and that without any 
hindrance to theire other studies. For my schoUars 
all this winter ar to have one lesson (viz., from the 
evening to the morning) each day in the Greek, and 
two each week through all the succeeding yeares." 



" King's College, May ye lOth, 1708, 

" SiE, — I have yours of the 1st current and in answer 
therunto am concerned to acquaint you, that, by ane 
Act of the last Comission of parliament for visiteing 
our universities, and the practise of all the colleges 
in this kingdom (in each whereof one master is now 
fixed to the Greek class) any student is, and wil be 
permitted to enter Semie, without being obleidged to 
enter Bajan, if he understand the Latine tongue, and 
have a competencie of the Greek, i.e. (as it is every- 
where now understood), can read the Greek, and 



4 SOCIAL LIFE IN FOEMER DAYS. 

expound a litle of the Greek New Testament, and 
have allowance and approbation of the Greek Kegent 
so to do : which a small compliment for his consent 
does never and nowhere fail to procm^e. 

" If therfore any of your acquaintance in your coun- 
trie about you, have a mind to save theire children's 
time and expense at colleges the first year, they may 
cause teach them a litle Greek at home, and so enter 
them Semies in any college mthin this kingdom, 
who will not (nor can legally) refuse them with the 
qualifications and conditions for said. 

"And seing matters ar now^ caryed so in all the 
colleges of north as well as south Britan ; pray take 
the paines to advise some of your acquaintance to, Sir, 
your faithfuU comerade and most obedient servant, 

" WiL. Blak. 

"The bearer has imployed his time to very good 
purpose at our college : and I have made him Master 

of Arts/' 



Dr. Thomas Eeid, the eminent metaphysician, and 
author of the Inquiry into the Human Mind, Essays 
on the Intellectual Fotvers, etc., was educated at 
Marischal College, and in 1752 w^as elected Professor 
of Moral Philosophy at King's College, Aberdeen. 
The Professor gives an account of the admirable ar- 
rangements which he helped to introduce into the 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 5 

latter university, and which ought never to have 
been discontinued : — 

" To Archibald Dunbak, Esq., 

'• of Newton, at Duffus. 

" King's College, Septr. 4:th, 1755. 

" Sir, — I did indeed intend, both last vacation and 
this, to have seen a little of the north country, and 
in that case should certainly have done myself the 
honour to wait of you at Duffus ; but sometimes 
sickness in my family, and sometimes other accidents, 
have liindred me hitherto. 

" Some ambiguity that has happened in a word of 
the letter you favour me with, makes me uncertain 
whether your intention is to put Bob to my class this 
session, which happens to be the Magistrand class ; 
or whether you intend that both your sons should 
enter with the Greek Professor. Give me leave, there- 
fore, to acquaint you what my class is to be employed 
in, that you may the better judge how it will answer 
your intention with regard to Bob, and the progress 
he has made. One hour in the day, for about two 
months, in the beginning of the session, will be em- 
ployed upon Optics and some branches of Mathe- 
maticks, which I could not overtake last session. 
All the rest will be employed in the Philosophy of 
the Mind, Logic, Morals, and Politics. If this is 
what you intend for Bob, you may depend upon it 
that I shall faithfully and timeously acquaint you 



6 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 

what progress he makes. If you propose to put him 
in the Greek class with his brother, this is not at all 
an unusual thing at this college of late. You may 
please, in that event, to acquaint him that Charlie 
M'Ever, his class-fellow, being sensible that he was 
not well founded in Greek and Latin, and finding the 
Mathematicks a little too hard for his age, went back 
last session to the Humanity class, and enters the 
Greek class this session, and I believe will make a 
fine scholar ; and Captain Fraser's son went back to 
the Bajan class last session. 

" Your concern that the behaviour of your sons be 
narowly looked after is most natural, and what every 
one that knows the heart of a parent must approve of. 
I can assure you that in this society we have for 
some years past been using our best skill and appli- 
cation for this purpose. While the students were 
scattered over the town in private quarters, and might 
dispose of themselves as they pleased but at school 
hours, we found it impossible to keep them from low 
or bad company, if they were so disposed. But they 
are on a very different footing since they lived within 
the college : we need but look out at our windows to 
see when they rise and when they go to bed. They 
are seen nine or ten times throughout the day statedly 
by one or other of the masters— at publick prayers, 
school hours, meals, and in their rooms ; besides occa- 
sional visits, which we can make with little trouble to 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMEE DAYS. 7 

ourselves. Tliey are shut up within walls at nine at 
night. We charge those that are known to be trusty 
and diligent with the oversight of such as we suspect 
to be otherwise ; and I verily believe there are few 
boys so narrowly lookt after, or so little exposed to 
temptations to vice, at home as with us at present. 
This discipline hath indeed taken some pains and 
resolution, as well as some expense to establish it. 
It makes our work laborious during the session, and 
must meet with the common prejudices that every 
new thing does. We behoved to be somewhat diffi- 
dent of it ourselves till we tried it. But now, after 
the experience of tw^o sessions, we are not only satis- 
fied that it is practicable ; but have already seen such 
effects of it, both upon the morals and proficiency of 
our students, as we hope will at last justify us to the 
w^orld, in sticking so obstinately to it in opposition to 
such an union of the two colleges as behoved to have 
altogether undone it. You may rest assured that I 
wdll take a particular concern in your sons, and shall 
take it upon me to acquaint you of the opinion their 
masters have of them. 

" The board at the first table is 5 nierks per 
quarter ; at the second 40 shillings. Some one of 
the masters dines alw\ays at the second table, as w^ell 
as at the first. The rent of a room is from seven to 
twenty shillings in the session. There is no furniture 
in their rooms, but bedstead, tables, chimney grate. 



8 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 

and fender — the rest, viz., feather-bed, bed-cloaths, 
chairs, tongs, and bed-hangings, if they chuse any, 
they must buy or hire, for the session, and indeed 
the people that let those things are very apt to exact 
upon them, so that it is much better, especially if one 
is to be some sessions at the college, to have them of 
their own, and dispose of them when they leave the 
college. Whatever they leave in their rooms is taken 
care of till next session. They provide fire, and 
candle, and washing to themselves. The other dues 
are — two guineas to the Master ; to the Professors 
of Greek and Humanity for their publick teaching, 
frve shillings each. All other perquisites not named, 
from twelve shillings to seventeen and sixpence, as 
near as I can remember ; the greatest part of which 
goes to four Oeconomy servants, and four College 
servants. The Professor of Medicine orders the diet 
and regimen of those that are valetudinary, and at- 
tends the Bursars and poorer sort in case of sickness, 
gratis. Others who are in good circumstances, if they 
should need the attendance of a physician, may either 
employ him or any other their parents recommend. 

" There is an advertisement from this college in the 
Aberdeen's Papers of Tuesday last, which contains a 
recommendation to the parents of students. You may 
please to look into it. I think it would not be amiss 
if your son should be begun to the Greek Grammar 
before he comes to town. For every one here has a 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FOEMER DAYS. 9 

place in liis class according to his proficiency, from 
the first to the last ; and when one sets out in an 
advanced post, it proves a great spur to diligence, 
that he may at least keep the rank he has got. I 
am, with great respect. Sir, your most obedient and 
most humble servant, Tho. Reid.'' 



The Eev. Lauchlan Shaw, the historian of Moray, 
considered St. Andrews the best place in many re- 
spects for a young student : — 

" To Archibald Dunbar, Esqr., 

'•' of Newton at Duffus. 

" Elgin, Sept. 17, 1763. 

"Dear Sir,— Since the time I was at Duffus I 
have been some days at RajBford for my health, which 
has been lately very much broken — and this was the 
reason why I did not before now let you know the 
issue of the commission you gave me. 

" Mr. Cook (who goes to Forres at Martinmass) has, 
I find, given you his thoughts about sending your son 
to the university this ensuing winter. By being in 
the Greek class he can have no time to improve in 
the Latin during the session, and he will need a 
proper Governor next summer to revise his Latin and 
Greek. In my opinion its a loss (and I found it so), 
to enter into the university before one is well ad- 
vanced in the Latin, which is the dead language most 



1 SOCIAL LIFE IN FOEMEE DAYS. 



I 



useful and necessary to be understood. With respect 
to the place — Aberdeen or St Andrews — if he goes 
to the first, the Old Town is preferable to the New, 
a more free air, fewer avocations, and more strict 
academical regulations, and very sufficient masters, 
but it is too near to the vanities and diversions of 
the New Town. 

" St. Andrews is wholsome, private, far from diver- 
sions, but they study more the Greek than the Latin. 
Professor Shaw is dayly expected here, if he comes 
I shall acquaint you. I sincerely wish that your son 
may meet with all encouragement in his studies, and 
may make progress in learning and virtue, and with 
compliments to your lady and children, I ever ' am, 
dear Sir, your obedient obliged servant, 

" Lach. Shaw." 



William Falconar, Bishop of Moray, could not con- 
scientiously recommend a Presbyterian pedagogue, 
showed how the oath required by the Hanoverian 
Government could be avoided, and stated the salary 
of his Episcopalian protege : — 

" For Archibald Dunbar of Newton, Esq., 

" at Duffus, near Elgin. 

"Edtnr., April 2Srd, 1754. 

'' Sir, — I would have wrote you by Mr. Baldie, but 
when he called at my lodgings, I happened to be 
abroad. After I received your last, I had laid myself 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMEE DAYS. 11 

out to find a proper pedagogue for your sons, and 
intended, as you proposed, to have sent him along 
with Baldie, and for that reason Baldie was detained 
here some days ; but as I could not, in so short a 
time, hit upon a sufficient young man, I thought it 
was better to allow your son to take his journey than 
to spend his time and money here doing nothing. 
There is a young man, Mr. Alexr. Diack, just now 
governour to the Master of Elphinston's sons, who 
is well and fuEy recommended to me by those who 
are perfectly well acquainted with him, and, as Mr. 
Elphinston s sons have finished their home education, 
Mr. Diack leaves the family at Whitsunday next. 
He is a good scholar, of modest behaviour, and of 
a virtuous character. He understands the learned 
languages, the French, Mathematicks, and writes a 
fine hand ; so that so far, I think, he will fit your 
purpose. I believe he has not, nor, as I am informed, 
will he take the oaths ; but I think you need not 
mind that qualification, as Mr. Elphinston, who is an 
officer in the army, made no scruple as to that point, 
nor does indeed any gentleman in this country heed 
it at all, as they make these gentlemen, who perform 
the part of pedagogues, pass under the name of factor 
or clerk, or comerade, or what they please. If you 
like this proposal, you have no more to do but write 
me directly, and I shall, without loss of time, secure 
Mr. Diack. He has twelve gidneas a year where he 



12 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 



now serves, and if he answers the good character I 
have of him, it will be money well laid out. I cannot 
in conscience recommend any of our new-fashioned 
Blades, nor do I think them proper instructors for 
young gentlemen, and, therefore, if what I have pro- 
posed is not agreeable to you, I hope you will not 
take it amiss if I decline the providing you in a 
Presbyterian dominie or a libertin Whig ; I wish you 
and your family too well to do you such an ill office. 
I hope Baldie will do very well. He is young and 
good-natured, and therefore you must overlook, in 
some measure, former faults, in hopes of better be- 
haviour, which time, experience, and good instruction 
will bring about. With my usual comphments to all 
your family, I am, dear Sir, your most humble servant, 

" WiL. Falconar." 



1 



Certificate in favour of a French master, — his 
terms, etc. :— 

" This serves to certifie and inform any gentleman 
or community, who may have taste or inclination for 
the French language, that the bearer heirof, Mr. John 
Brulet, a Native of France, near the City of Eheims, 
the M : of Champaigne, has lived in my family above 
three months, with great decency and behaviour, as a 
French-master. 

"From his knowledge in the English, as well as his 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 13 

skill and method in the French, he has in the first 
place, taught his scholars not only to read and 
thoroughly understand the French grammar, but also, 
to get by heart such parts thereof, as are necessary 
for their daily improvement. 

"And in the second place, he has taught them not 
only to read and explain many Books of Telemachus, 
but even to pronounce the French in the most proper 
manner, ane attainment not to be acquired at the 
hands of any, but those of a true Native of France, 
which is the peculiar excellence of this man above 
other French teachers, and had not a seperation in 
my family, been necessary at this juncture, Mr. Brulet 
had not been parted with so soon. 

" His fees are of the common sort. Seven shillings 
per month, or a guinea per quarter, is what I have 
paid, but as I had but five scholars to give ; for their 
sake, and the constant benefit of his conversation with 
them, I entertained him here, which was no bad part 
of the bargain for him or them. The pains and atten- 
tion he gives, and the particular pleasure he takes in 
the progress made by his scholars, is apparently such, 
that he, or she, who does not proffit, must be an 
absolute dunce or a careless idiot. 

" In short, it is obvious to any person of but toller- 
able skill or taste in the French language, that there 
never was, and perhaps never will be, such another 
man, in his way, in our country, which, at Duffus, 



14 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 

the 20th Day of Octor. 1755 years, is declared to be 
the humble opinion of Archd. Dukbar." 



A dancing -master's discharge and obligation in 
1704, to Mr. James Sutherland, second son of James 
Lord Duffus : — 

" I, William Badhame, danceing master in Edin- 
burgh, be the tenor hereof, grant me to have received 
ffrom Master James Sutherland, Advocat, the sum of 
ffiftie punds Scots money, in full contentation and 
satisfaction of all due me for danceing, upon acompt of 
Mistris Elizabeth Sutherland, his sister, preceeding the 
date of thir presents. And, in like manor by thir pre- 
sents it's provyded that in case the said Mistris Eliza- 
beth Sutherland shall at any tyme here after happin 
to come where I the said William Badhame teaches 
danceing, I oblidge my selfe upon the payment of 
sixteen pund Scots to perfect her, oblidgeing me and 
my heirs, &;c., to warrand thir presents good valid 
and effectuall of all that I can ask or clame of the 
said Mrs. Elizabeth Sutherland, any manner of way, 
at all hands and against all deadly as law will ; con- 
sentin thir presents be insert and restrat in the books 
of Councill and Session, or in any other Judges court 
books compitent within this realme, therein to remain 
ad ffuturam rei memoriam, and constituts, 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMEK DAYS. 15 

my prors, &c. In witnes wlierof (wry tin be George 
Keith -wryter in Edinburgh,) I have subscribed thir pre- 
sents at Edinburgh, the eighteent day of Septer., Javij 
and ffour years. Before witnesss James Donaldson, 
merchant in Edinburgh, and the said George Keith, 
wi^}i-er hereof. Wm. Badham. 

" J. Donaldson, ivitnes. 

" Geo : Keith, ivitnes!' 



The quahfications and salary of a governess : — 

" To the much Honoured the Lady Thunderton — These : 

" Ranes, Huntly, Jan. SOth 1710. 

" Madam, — Robert Gordon has writ now twice to 
my father as (by your Ladyship's desire as I suppose) 
concerning me, if I be willing and fit for your service. 
In his last he desires I should writ to your Ladyship 
to show that I can sow white and colourd seam ; dress 
head suits, play on the Treble and Gambo, Viol, Virgin- 
eUes and Manicords, which I can do, but on no other. 
He desires to let know what fie I wold have, which is 
threttie pound and Gown and Coat, or then fourtie 
pound and Shoes and Linnens, which is for a year. 
If those terms please your Ladyship, I am content to 
serve for half-a-year conform, to try if I please your 
Ladyship. I expect an answer with the first occassion, 
and I am. Madam, your most humble servant, 

" Jean Chein." 



16 SOCIAL LIFE IX FORMER DAYS. 

Expenses of tlie board and education of two young- 
ladies whose father was serving in the Low Countries 
under Marlborough : — 

" Eeceived from Joseph Brodie of Milntown in name 
and behalf of Archbald Dunbar of Thundertoun, the 
soum of four pund Scots, and that for Alexr. Dunbar 
of Belmuckedie his two daughters (Meg^ and Ket) 
their current quarter coUedge fie, as witness my hand 
at Dyke the twentie-second of Deer. 1709. 

" Alexr. Kicolson." 

" Eeceived from the said Millntoun in name and 
behalf of the said Mr. Archbald Dunbar of Thunder- 
toun two pound sterline, and that for Alexr. Dunbar 
of Bermuckitre his two daughters Meg : and Kett : 
ther quarterly l3uird, and that by me Janet Dunbar. 
In witnes wherof I have subscrybed day and date 
above written. Janet Dunbah." 



1 "Meg" married Lieut. -Colonel Whitney, of Ligonier's dragoons, wlio 
was afterwards killed at the battle of Falkirk when charging at the head 
of his regiment. 



1 



II. MEDICAL. 

In the early part of the eighteenth century, 
Dr. Eobert Innes appears to have been the principal 
physician in Elgin, of which town he was also a 
magistrate. Gilded pills with ale for the miss, snuff 
for the lady in an interesting situation, and plum- 
cakes to celebrate (we trust) the safe arrival of the 
babe, must not make us forget that the doctor im- 
ported his drugs direct from London, and profession- 
ally attended the Chancellor's (Seafield) Countess. 

" Memorandum — BaiUie Innes, in Elgin, to Mr. Arch- 
bald Dunbar of Thundertoune, May 28, 1705. 

" When it pleases God you arrive safely at Edinburgh 
(and at leasure) please remitt the thirtie-eight pounds 
sterling twelve shillings, heirwith delivered you, to 
Mr. Edmund Sheepherd, drugist, at the Eose and 
Croune on Ludegate-hiU, London, and cause gett ane 
acquittance or discharge for the same to me ; and 
whatever the current exchange is, I hereby oblidge me 
to remitt the same to you, on advertisement. Withall, 

B 



18 SOCIAL LIFE IX FORMER DAYS. 

when your conveniencie allowes, mynd the bill, like- 
wyes given you now, upon the Countess of Seaiield, 
and gett payment thereof, all which will be verie 
oblidging to dear Sir, yours verie affectionatly, 

" KoB : Innes/' 



" Elgin, Sejjt. 22, 1705. 

" Dear Sir, — After my humble dutie to your lady 
and sweet self, I presume to give you the trouble to 
bestowe the inclosed thre shillings on ane book for my 
Jamie's use, which cannot be had nearer than Edin- 
burgh. Its neam is John Leusden's Collections of the 
New Testament in Greek, done into thirty-six lessons, 
with the Analysis. I am told its pryce is twixt half 
ane croune and fourtie pence ; but although it be 
some more, pray send it ; withall, if you have re- 
covered payment of the Countess of Seafield, of the 
twentie shilling she owed me, be pleased likewayes to 
buye for me, and send me by the bearer, Etmullerus, 
his works Compendised and Englished, the last 
editione, which I am told is ane most excellent mar- 
rowish piece of pliisik, and is bought for about seven 
shillings English. I return you most heartie thanks 
for your last favor done me. Your readiness to serve 
your freinds is the occasion of this trouble. All your 
freinds here are in health, and mynd you as oft as we 
meet ; and I am truelie, dear Sir, your affectionat 
cassen and comrad, EoB. Innes.'' 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FOEMEE DAYS. 19 

■ To The Laird of Thundertoun, 

"attDuffus. 

"Elgin, Apr He 17 IL 

" SiE, — ... if your lady s true and full tym be 
come. I have sent ane liysterik cordiall julep which 
is provoking and whereof she may take a third pairt 
when it comes, and the other third pairt (if she is not 
delivered in the tym) two hours thereafter, and what 
remains two hours after that ; in the meintym lett 
her walk and take snuff or what may provoke snezing. 
I wish her ane happie hour and safe deliverie, and 
continues still, Sir, yours affectionatly, 

" Rob. Innes." 



"Elgtn, Sd May, 17 1 L 

" SiE, — I have sent the two plumbcakes, with two 
small boxes with the suggar bisket by the bearer, as 
alsoe the mutton ; and the baker comes alongst with 
them, but the plumbcakes, especially the upper, must 
be carefullie taken out, least the glasing or garnishing 
be spoyled. The baker will assist and direct in this ; 
and how soon they and the bisket are taken out, they 
may be put near a, fyre, least they grow wett by the 
dampness of the weather. They are all well done, 
and will please all concerned. I shall be with you, 
God willing, once this afternoon, and see them rightly 
sett doune to-morrow moining, all the workmen have 
promised to be with you by thrie this afternoon, I am, 
Sir, your most oblidgecl servant, EoB : Innes." 



20 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 



"Elgin, June 28, 1713. 

"Sir, — Please receive seven small gilded pills in ane 
little box, whereof your daughter Bettie is to swallow 
five in the morning by themselves, tumbling them 
doune her throat with ane mouthful of cold ale, either 
one by one or two together as she best can ; and if 
this begin not to work tw^o hours after taking them, 
lett her swallow doun the other two — observing ane 
phisical dyet all day, I mein keeping warm and dyn- 
ing on fresh broath, and when disposed to drink, let 
it be table ale warmed ; And I am. Sir, yours afiec- 
tionately, Rob: Innes/' 



This account is in Scots money : — 

" Accompt Laird ofi" Thundertown, since Jan. 22th, 
1719. To Kenneth Mackenzie, Chyr Aporie (Surgeon 
Apothecary) in Elgin. 

Jaur. 22. To ane plaister for his cook, 

1719. To plilebotomie of Mm, 
Febr. 27. To ane bottle bitters for his lady, 
Mar. 12. To ane bole for his lady, 

To haKe ane onnce balsam for her. 
To ane cephahck powder for her. 
To ane pott of hniment for her, . 
15. To the bole repeated for her, 
28. To two ounce calamus aromaticus for 
your selfe, .... 
To two ounces centaury for him, . 
May 13. To ane vomitory for your sister-in-law 



lb. ss. 


d. 


10 





12 





10 





6 





13 





2 





6 





6 





r 

4 





4 





10 






SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 



21 



19. 



Janr. 29 
1720. 



31. 



To ane stomacliick mixture for her, 
To lialfe ane ounce oyle of mace for her, 
To ane stomacMck plaister for her, 
14. To ane lottion for her, 

To three ounces hungary water cam 

phorat for yourselfe, 
To ane ounce sphit of win, camphorat 

for yourselfe, .... 
To ane mixture for your servant, Eobert 

Kinach, .... 

To phlebotomie of him, 
To materials for wine for your lady, 
To ane morning mixture for her, . 
To therty morning powders for her, 
To two pound tincture for her. 
To ane box pills for her. 
To ane anodyn for her, 
ffebr. 23. To two pound bitter tincture for Mrs 

Eebecca, .... 

To ane ounce tincture of antimony for 

her, 

To ane cosmetick for her, . 
Mar. 7. To materials for ane diet drink for Collin 

Menzies, .... 

Apr. 1 5. To ane bottle julep for your lady, 
To ane pott of ane elecuary for her. 
To three masticatory balls for her. 
To ane bottle juices for her, 
22. To ane hypnotick for her, . 
To ane gargarism for her. 
To ane box gilded pills for your daughter 
To two ounces oxycroceon, . 



J 3 





J 4 





18 





J 19 






J 14 



8 





8 







12 







18 







6 





J5 


00 





6 


6 





J 


4 







6 






2 18 

12 

18 



14 



16 
18 
00 



39 13 0" 



22 SOCIAL LIFE IN FOEMER DAYS. 

Lord Reay encloses two prescriptions ■} — 
" To Archibald Dunbar, of Thunderton, Esqr. 

"Tongue, loth Xov : 1727. 

" SiE, — I send you on the other side Dr. Boorehaves 
receipt for any pain in the head, eyes, toothack, 
&c. : — Make a litle basket like a small beehive, open 
above, and put under it some live coal in a shovel, 
on which put a snufF-pen full of the powder, cover- 
ing it with a coarse napkin well warmed at the fire ; 
the smoak will pierce it, and how soon the smoak is 
over rub your forehead and temples pretty well with 
the napkin, both at morning and bed-time. I found 
much benefit by it. I have no fault to the Bishop, 
he is of the true kind, a little headstrong and will- 
full. If you send the swine to Mr. Gordon of Haughes, 
in spring, he will get them sent me, and if you think 
them too deir a ^e for the present advice, and curing 
your former dullness of hearing, ask anything I have 
you want, the more freedom the welcomer. — I am, 
Sir, your very humble servant, Reay. 

" Sp. Benzoni. 
Mastich^. 
Olibani. 

Styrae, Calamit, ad Drach. iv. 
M. Sp. pro Thymiamate ciijus 
pariim siniiill prunce insparsuiu 
fiimet, et pamios evaparandos. 

1 The prescriptions are difScxilt to decii>lier ; and may not therefore be 
correctl}^ copied. 






SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMEE DAYS. 23 

'' I shall add from the same hand the best thino^ I 
ever tiyed for my teeth and gums, with which I rub 
them after dinner and supper, — 

" Sp. Aqua stillatit Eosae, . 
Sp. Matricalis Bynhs, 
Sahs diilcis, . . - . 
Tinct. giimnis Laccae, 
Myxr^e drach 
M. r. Liqiier ad dentes gengioasqiie. 

"' N.B. — If you can't get the Spn. Mat. Bynlis, take 
Sp. of Scurygrass as a Sunedauay." 



. luie. 


XY. 


. une. 


ii- 


. une. 


\i- 


. une. 


J- 


. une. 


ij- 



Dr. Graham would have doubtless advocated Hydro- 
pathy had it been established in his time. 

" To Sir Alexander Dunbar, 

" at Thunderton, by Elgin. 

" Edinbuegh, July llth 1778. 

" Six days of total abstinence ! you are a man — 
an angel, Sir Alexander — the worst is now over — you 
vindicate the dignity of your rational nature— -you 
transform human into divine ! — 

" I speak from experience Sir ; I have a double 
right to speak as a physician and as a man, most 
heartily to congratulate you. It is many years since 
I tasted one drop of any thing stronger than water — 
not even in sickness do I allow myself a vinous or 
spiritous medicine : what did I say ? sickness ! I am 



24 SOCIAL LIFE IN FOUMER DAYS. 

never sick — I am never sorry, I am about yonr own 
age. 

"Go on, Sir Alexander! as you do. Such little 
variations as are or may be necessary, your own good 
sense and observation will point out to you. Take 
care that the bath is only milk warm. 

" Yes, eat as many greens boiled and raw, and as 
much ripe fruit, as you find agrees with you. Let no 
medical rascal lace you up too tight. 

" Let beef and mutton, kept long after they are 
killed, be your principal meat. Eat few soups or 
broth — prefer, roasting on the spit, and broihng on 
the gridiron. Yes, yes Sir ! you may eat fish, and 
roasted fowls, tame and wild, full grown. 

" Eat strawberries and sugar, but no milk. 

" Bathe, now, every other day. Let sweet music 
— cordial friendship— virtuous love! engage your 
time and attention. Project and pursue with mode- 
ration some great, useful, or honourable work. Set 
up some delightful — some mighty object to your 
view ; and say / will attain to it — I will finish the 
work — I will reach the goal ! 

" Go on, too, observing the directions and using the 
means I had the honour of prescribing to you Sir 
Alexander, from the first — and if your body and your 
mind don't sing and dance and rejoice together soon, 
come to Edinburgh, to Jas. Geaham." 



I 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 25 

Dr. James Walker not only practised in Elgin and 
its neighbourhood, but was also an enthusiastic agri- 
culturist ; and having married the widow of the last 
hereditary Sheriff of Moray, he carried on extensive 
farm operations at Westfield, in which property she 
(" the old gentlewoman'') was life rented. 

" I9th May 1778. 

" Doctor Walker s most respectful compliments. 

" Shall hope the happiness of knowing that Sir 
Alexander, and Lady Dunbar and ffamily are in good 
health. 

" Understands that the widow of John Gordon of 
Auchinereath is to dwell in a house of Sir Alexander's, 
which, after months, remains in disrepair. 

" The Doctor was not asked to accost Sir Alex- 
ander, and hopes this freedom will be ascribed to the 
genuin natural motive, and not to the genius of 
meadling. The Doctor knows the Knight's humanity, 
and he well knows Mrs. Gordon's puny state, and 
that plaister and whitewash quite fresh must deeply 
affect her. 

" People say that the joiner he employs, chooses 
to act by a deputy, and the deputy by many sub- 
stitutes — the thing is undone. They also say the 
plaisterer would attentively see the whole done. 

" It is requested the Knight may not take the 
trouble to write to the Doctor on this subject. The 



26 SOCIAL LIFE IX FOEMER DAYS. 

Doctor only suggests to the Knight what he sup- 
poses his humanity will draw him to consider as 
truly as he does the rent. 

" Deeds of Humanity are never repented." 



" 19^/i Xovemher. 

" The Doctor's respectful compliments. 

" Intended, to-morrow, to have sent Sir Alexander 
a formal accusation, a sour one, concluding neglect of 
performance upon his own proposals, that the Doctor 
should hear from him once a week ; but still the sloth 
of a Lochside Knio^ht cannot allow the mentioning; 
better or less better of headache, pained sides, weari- 
ness of back, &c., or of ails the good Lady complains 
of Is not the plan an easy one, my dear Sir ? If all 
complaints are easier, we are better. 

" But, in earnest, the Doctor may be bewildered in 
this general observation. The Doctor finds himself 
deeply serious. If Sir Alexander thinks that a few^ 
shillings excites all this concern, shall not attempt to 
undeceive him in theory nor scratches of a quill. 

" This weather persuades the Doctor to change the 
medicine for the time. It feels rigid. 

" Sends a box of smaU balls. Eecommends that 
three be swallowed in the morning — fasting ; three 
at mid-day ; and three at bed-time — nine a day. 
Requests particulars in next that, at least, earnest 
tryal may be made to mend a habit of body which 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 27 

vexes the Doctor. It is easy to loath it, and say 
one is well ; Lut the Doctor can commend no such 
doinofs." 



" Sunday, 25th August 1779. 

" Doctor Walker s respects. 

'' Has a right to forgivenness (whether the Knight 
acknowledges or denys), for giving the trouhle of 
enquiring how Sir Alexander and Lady Dunbar are 
in this drenching, and now blustering, weather. 

" Shall be glad to know that the Lady bore her late 
journy better than is said, and that the Knight has 
weathered this soaking state, which threatens to bring 
animal life to a state of slubber. 

" The Doctor feels it— the old gentle-woman deeply 
— and only wariness keeps off extreme hardship. 

" It is like we have still more to bear, therefore — 
caution." 



"... If you broil over the fire and fry the backs 
of your hams, he who mends your chilliness must 
change the comodians of natural things, so far as you 
are concerned. 

" Particular accounts of drugs I always decline. 
My only interest in them being loss of money. There- 
fore, request my friends may hereafter excuse it ; but 
for your satisfaction have caused draw out the parti 



28 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 

culars furnished for you. Most respectfull compli- 
ments to your Lady.'' 



" The broken vial refurnished. The morning tinc- 
ture to be continued. 

" Broths to be prepared secundum artem of the 
cooks, with beef, mutton, or fowls. 

" Leek pottage may be read — ' Cock-a-leekie.' . . ." 



" 27t7t April 1780. 

"... Suffer me to enquire how market offers 
for grain. My acquaintances and the dealers are 
wondrous wise and deep I think you may rely on 
me ; I shall blabb nothing from you. 

" A little stirring offers just now ; but (as you word 
it) they are very costive. 

" Do advise me. I have half bear, half oats, in the 
small parcel." 



" Wedy., 25th Sepr., 1782. 

" Doctor "Walker's respectful compliments. 

" The butter-kitt came here, for which attention the 
Doctor's thanks to good Lady Dunbar ; but no notice 
of the price. 

" A verbal message bade the Doctor have the cask 
weighed^ — why ? as it seems it was weighed by the 
owner. 



« 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FOEMER DAYS. 29 

" But such are the various numbers of pounds 
assigned to a stone weight (from fourteen to thirty- 
four), the Doctor must beg leave to ask what number 
of pounds to a stone weight at Thundertown — and 
what is the price of said stone weight — that he may 
do himself the pleasure to make thankful payment. 

" The Doctor proposes to kill a full-fed cow in the 
beginning of next week. If beef so firm is oft seen, 
he is imposed on. 

" Is Sir Alexander disposed to send for a quarter, 
and which quarter ? price threepence per pound, with- 
out discount ; — a quarter may weigh 80lb. 

" Notice may be sent, if he chooses it, 'twixt and 
Tuesday first." 



Ill PEICES OF PROVISIONS. 

Dealers in grain, meat, etc., were not allowed to 
charge except at such rates as had been fixed by legal 
authority. 

" Att fforres the sevinteinth day of May 1699. — 
The Comissioners of Supply of the Sherifdome of 
Elgin, appoynted by Act of Council, of the date the 
last day of March last by past, for stateing and setling 
the pryces of victual within the said shyre, having 
several tymes met and conveened at Elgin and fforres, 
and last of all at fforres, this present day having taken | 
true and exact tryall of the pryces of victual for five 
weeks space preceeding the date of the said Act, and 
duly considered the said pryces, the forsaid Comis- 
sioners, by virtue of the power given and comitted to 
them by the forsaid Act of Council, have stated and 
setled, and hereby states and setles, the highest pryces 
of the best victual and meal to be as follows, viz. : — 
The best wheat at eighteen pound scots per boll : the 
best bear at tw^elve pound scots per boll : the best 
oats at ten pound per boll : the boll of pise at twelve 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 31 

pound : the best oatmeall by weight, being eight stone, 
at twelve pound per boll : the best bearmeall at 
thi'eitein merks four shillings six penies per boll : and 
the forsaid piyces, so setled, are appointed by the said 
Act of Privie Council to be the feer and setled pryces 
until the first day of SeptemlDer nixt : and none are 
to presume to sell at higher rates either in mercats, 
girnels, or otherwayes, within the said sheriffdome of 
Elgin, under the certification of being pursued as 
Occurrers or Userers, as the said Act bears. And to 
the end the above writen pryces may be published, 
the said Comissioners ordained, and ordains, thir pre- 
sents to be published at all the parish kirks of the said 
shyre, to be read this nixt Lord's day after devine ser- 
vice ; and doubles therof to be sent to the Magistrates 
of the burghs within the shyre, to be by them pro- 
claimed at their mercat-croces : and this present setle- 
ment of the pryces of the said victuals to be binding 
and take effect after the publication and intimation 
herof : and ordains the same to be recorded in the 
sederunt-book of the said Comissioners, that none 
pretend ignorance." 



" AVee, Sir Thomas Calder of Muirton, Knight 
Baronet, and Eobert Dunbar of Newton, Esquire, 
Justices of Peace within the shire of Eloin, do here- 
by testify and declare to all concerned that the \\a\' 



32 SOCIAL LIFE IN FOEMER DAYS. 

of living in tlie town of Elgin, within the said shire, 
for merchandise of all sorts of vivers, victuals, and 
other necessaries for families, beino^ to be had at low 
rates is as follows, viz. : — ane carcass of best beef, in 
the shambles, at eight pund scotts ; Item — ane mutton 
bulk, at two merks scotts of the best sort ; ane good hen 
at two shilling scotts, and two shilling sixpenies scotts 
the dearest ; iFourteen egs for ane shilling scotts ; 
ffourteen haddocks for ane shilling sixpenies scotts, 
or two shillings at most ; ffourteen whitings for ane 
shilling scotts ; ane large cod-fish for four shilling 
scotts ; ane stone of butter of the best sort at three 
pund scotts, wherof ther goes twenty- two pund to 
the stone ; ane stone of the best chese, of the north 
country make, two merks scotts, or thirty shillings 
scotts at most, wherof ther is given twent}7'-two pund 
to the stone ; ane pint of milk for sixteen peneis 
scots ; muirfowl and partridge at two shilling scotts 
the pair ; waterfowl as follows, viz. : — ane goose at 
eight shilling scotts ; duck and drake, wild or tame, at 
four shilling ; and we declare that the above rates are 
the comon and ordinarie mercat prices, except in cases 
of dearth and scarcity : By these given under our 
hands, at Elgin, the thirtieth of December, one thou- 
sand seven hundred and ten years. 

" Thomas Caldee. 
eo. dunbae." 



I 



IV. POSTAL AKEANGEMENTS. 

Postmaster-Geneeal's obligation : — 

" I, Alex. Smith, post-master generall of this king- 
dom, doe hereby oblidge myselfe to send to Mr. 
Archibald Dunbarr of Thundertown ane Flying Post, 
and Edinbm^gh Gazette, tuice a week from the date 
hereof untill Candlemass one thousand seven hun- 
dreth and one years. In witnes whereof I have 
written and subscrived ther presents with my hand 
at Edinburgh, the nynth day of December 1700. 

"Alexe. Smith." 



Before the era of naming streets or numbering 
houses, recourse was had to very grotesque and 
often complicated addresses. The following are, re- 
spectively, of dates 1702-3-4 : — 

" ffor 

" Mr. Archbald Dumbarr of Thundertoune to be 
left at Capt. Dumbar's writing Chamber at the Iron 
revell third storie below the Cross north end of the 
close at Edinr." 



34 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 

'' For 

" Captain Philip Anstmther off Newgrange att his 
lodgeing a htle above the fountain-well south side of 
the street Edenbrough." 



" fFor 

"Mrs. Mary Stowel at Whiteakers in St Andrew 
Street next door save one to the blew balcony near 
the sun dyall near long aiker London." 



The clerks in the General Post-Office must have 
been a careless set of fellows. Extract from a letter 
sent to a Morayshire gentleman : — 

"Edinburgh, \ 5th Aug., 1755. 

" There is no news, our Edinburgh mail being re- 
turned in a mistake for the London mail, and vice 
versa.'' 



4 



V. TEAVELLING. 

A JOURNEY from Morayshire to Edinburgh must 
have been, especially in winter, a very arduous under- 
taking ; it generally occupied five or six days. 

" ffor Mrs. Dunbar of Thundertoun, 

" Att Duffus. 

" Newtoun of Aberdeen, VJ ffehry., 1708. 

" My Deae, — After I came to Keith I found bothe 
road and the weather so bad that I chosed rather to 
stay ther Saturday all day than venture the hills 
allone on Sabath-day. By good providence there 
came three or four gentlemen who designed the same 
jurney, and after deliberation it was concluded wee 
should not goe by the Cairn, but by this place, w^here 
through both evil way and weather wee are, blessed by 
God, saifely come this night. We disyne sex milles 
farder, and so on, as the weather will allow. Through 
all the hills nothing but storm appears, and in the 
valeys, great rains and impetous watter runns. This 
only wee have left us for comfort, that in this road 
wee are now in, we have both boats and bridges, so 
that we will not be put to any necessity of rideiug of 



36 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 

watters. I wrote you aiie meniorandam from Keith, 
to give fFaskan what salt he calls for. Grive him like- 
wise the one half of the barell of figgs, which let be 
sawn in the midst, which is the best way of devisione. 
This, with duety, being from, dear Beckie, yom^ 

" A. Dunbar." 

'' 2 of the cloak, afternoon. We came here about 12. 

"Adiu." 



The Avriter of the following extract flourished in 
1783. He seems to have been a bit of a philoso- 
pher : — 

*' You will be astonished when I tell you that for as 
many chaises and horses as are in and about Edin- 
burgh, and for as high as the duty is, that you must 
bespeak your chaise eight or ten days at least before you 
intend setting out, otherwise you can have none, espe- 
cially when you are going a long journey like mine. 
But the fulness of luxury, like the corpulency of the 
body, is a symptom of approaching decay; and as 
everything in nature has its different periods as well 
as the animal and vegetable world, namely, infancy, 
maturity, and decay, I am very much afraid that our 
poor country is at least at the middle period, for you 
will not know a shoemaker's or a tailor's daughter by 
her dress, from a lady of the first rank in this place." 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 3 7 

The fare from Aberdeen to Edinburgh l)y " The 
Fly'' was two pounds two shillings, as we find by a 
ticket, dated 25th August 1789, on the back of which 
there is this printed notice : — 

NEW BLACK-BULL INN, North Side of the 
Register Office, Edinburgh. 

rpHE FLY, sets out from the above Inn, for LON- 
-^ DON, NEWCASTLE, and GLASGOW, every 
day, and from Mr. Ibberson's, George and Blue Boar, 
Holborn, London, Mr. Broadie's, Turk's Head, New- 
castle, and Mr. Durie's, Black-Bull, Glasgow, every 
day for Edinburgh— For ABERDEEN, by way of 
PERTH, every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday ; 
and from Mr. Wilkie's New-Inn, Aberdeen, every 
Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, for Edinburgh. — 
Fresh horses every stage. 

A^.i?.— SETS OUT, as above by way of Cornhill, 
Newcastle and Borrowbridge, at least twenty miles 
nearer than by Berwick and York, The ROYAL 
CHARLOTTE LIGHT POST COACH, which, for 
accommodation and expedition, is not inferior to any 
that ply the road; goes from Edinburgh to London 
in two days and one half, with the agreeable advan- 
tage (by setting out in the morning) (^f travelling 
mostly in day-light. 

Performed by J. Robertson & Co. 



VI. TAYEEN BILLS. 

Me. Dunbar of Kincorth was a younger son of Sir 
William Dunbar of Durn, Baronet, and a brother of 
Anne Countess of Findlater and Seafield. He would 
be treated as an honoured guest. The money is Scots. 

" Accompt Wm. Dunbar of Kincorth to Margaret 
Stewart, spouse to Wm. Brodie, merchant in Elgin. 

2 2d Decer. Imprimis by ane subscribed oblige- 

1699. ment, 26 12 6 

By another obhgement, . . . 08 05 
Janry. 1700. Item with ffaskin, Mr. Archbald 
Dunbar, and John Chalmer four 
pynts brunt wine, . . . 06 16 

Item with Bishopmiln, Newtoun, 
and Mr. Arclibald Dunbar three 
pynts brunt wine, . . . 05 02 

Item four ounce of sugar to a pynt 

of sack, 00 04 

Item a pynt of brunt wine with 
Mr. Archbald Dunbar and Mr. 
Eead, 01 17 

Item for his part of sevin pynts 

Jaugo is 01 05 

Item a pynt that he called for after- 
wards, . . . . . 00 15 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FOEMER DAYS. 39 

Item when lie went at that tyme 

to the west, for his own, and his 

servant and horse, meat and drink, 02 00 
Item for his horse therafter for corn 

and strae, 00 13 

Item his own and his servant's dyet 

then, . . . . . 02 00 

Item two seckpossets is . . 04 16 

When at your court for meat to 

yourself and servant, and horse 

corn and strae, . . . . 04 10 
Item four pynts brunt aquavite, . 06 13 4 
Item for corn and strae to your 

horse, 01 04 

Item meat and drink to yourself 

and servant, . . . . 01 10 



74 02 10 



Item for the cess accompt which I 

took of £7 11 8, . . . 07 11 8 



81 14 06 



Item for your horse sevintein dayes 

when last here, . . . . 05 02 
Item for twenty dayes dyet to your 

self and servant, . . . 07 08 

Item one pyut brunt acquavite with 

Bailie Stewart, James Wiseman, 

and others, . . . .01134 



95 17 10 
Whereof receaved per recept, 16 00 



9 17 UV 



40 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 



Copy of a bill paid in 1769 to Eobert Gordon, Land- 
lord of the " British Arms :" — 



;h arms, 


To MAGNUM BONUMS, 








GIN} 


To 35 bottles Claret, 


4 


7 


6 


MM 


To bottles Champaign, . 








^^^ 


To bottles Ehenisli, 










To 1 bottles Oporto, 
To bottles Zerry, . 
To bottles Frontiniac, . 
To bottles Mountain, . 
To bottles Madeira, 
To bottles Malaga, 





2 







To 1 bottles Lisbon, 





2 







To bottles Orange-wine, 










To 3 mutclikins Punch, . 





3 







To extraordinary fruit and sugar, 










To 3 mugs porter, . 





1 







To arrack, 










To cyder, 










To negus, . . . 










To sack- whey, .... 










To tea and coffee, marmalade, etc, 










To drams, ..... 










To small-beer, .... 








3 




To pipes and tobacco, 










To entertainment, 





4 







To paper, 










To cards, . . . . 









^ The Royal Arms are slightly different in the original, which is a 
printed form, with the numbers and prices written. 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 



41 



To cadies, . 

To hay, 

To corn, 

To (irink to servants, 

To the saddler, . 

To the smith, 

To the barber, 

To grease to the horses feet 

To the laundress, 

To broken, 

To more wine, . 

To more punch, . 



VII. FIELD SPOETS. 

Hawking was long a favourite sport in the North. 
The Earl of Buchan appears to have replenished his 
falconry from the Gordonston stock. 

" To my honorabel and loving frinde 

" Sir Robert GtORdon, geve this. 

" Bamfe the 10 May, 1619. 

" Sir, — I have wryten thir fewe lynes to deseir you 
to doe me the favor as to send me ane facon of this 
yeir, with this berer, and wharin I can doe you anny 
pleseur or service you sail find me ever redie to obay 
your imployments, so hoping you will grant me this 
my first sent, I tak my leive and rests your loving 
frind, to my pouer, Buchane.'' 



Having received a couple of hawks from the Earl 
of Seaforth, the Laird of Brodie asks his friend to get 
them trained. 

" To Mr. Archibald Dunbar, 

" of Thundertone. 

" ffoRREs Qth Aug. 1712. 

" Sir, — I am glade to hear that you are weell, and 
that you are nothing the worse of your fatigue att the 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FOEMER DAYS. 43 

Eunns of Lossie, I am also rejoysed to hear that you 
are clever and can voltige and waltt a litle as to your 
former way, in the meantime this serves to acquant 
you that I have two halks sent me by my Lord Sea- 
fort, to witt a ffalcone and a Terfle ffalcone of the 
best aire of the Lewis, and they are full and weell 
feathered, so if you please take them and breed them 
by your ffalconar, and when they are bredd I shall 
give you your choyse or both, tho I was oblidged to 
give a great deall of drink-money. I know Kilravock 
and others would take them, but I incline to give 
you the first offerr, so you will send me ane answer 
by this express, whither you will send for them or 
not. If I hade a ffalconar I would have bredd them 
myselfe, which is all from, Sir, your affectionate and 
humble servant, Geo : Brodie." 



The Laird of Newton intimates that he intends to 
'' blode" two young dogs ; that is, let them have 
their first taste of blood. 

" To Mr. Archibald Dunbar, 

" of Thundertoun. 

"Newtown, 2Uh Sept. 1702. 

" Loving Brother, — I am gleade ye ar cum saife 
to the cuntrie, but expected ye would halve been 
here befor this time. I desined to haive blode two 
young doges this day, but shall delay sport till Satur- 



44 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 

day expecting your cumming, I hoop ye will bring 
Capt. Dunbar alonge, to wliom give my servise. My 
wife will qiiarall you at meeting fFor unkindnes, 
wlierfor she has sent no comendations. I containou, 
as formarly, your most affectionat brother, 

" E. Dunbar.'" 



" Cloavs, '2^th Janr. 1703. 

"Affectionat BROTHER,^Cloavs and I shall met 
you the morou in the Spinle moore, betmxt eight 
and nine in the morning, where ye canot miss good 
sporte twixt that and the sea. ffaile not to bring ane 
bottle of brandie along, ffor I asheure you ye will lose 
the wadger. In the mean time we drink your health, 
and am your affectionat brother, 

" E. Dunbar." 



Sir Harrie Innes, of Innes, evidently alludes to the 
Loch of Spynie, then undrained, and the rendezvous 
of all sorts of wild fowl. 

'■ To Mr. Archibald Dunbak, 

'• ofl' Thimderton. att Elgin. 

" Innes, /e&. 2d, 170.3. 

" Dear Archie,— It is good ffor a man to pay his 
debt while he has gear. I send you your swan s skin, 
but least you have a Highland mans appetite ffor 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 45 

annual rentt ffor your loan of that I had of you, I 
send another, which I slew yesterday. I shall be glad 
to play mth you att hunting or shooting any day 
you are att leisure. If the dayes post bring you any 
news, I shall be glad to know what they are. Mean- 
tyme, I still continue, dear Archie, your oblidged 
ffriend and most humble servantt, 

" Harie Innes." 

" If you have but use ffor one skin, the doctor will 
thank you ffor the other.'' 



The Loch of Spynie had attractions even for the 
Marquis of Huntly. 

'' To the much honored 

'' Mr. Archibald Dlnbar, 

'• off Thunderstoune — These : 

" Leuchaes, October, 1707. 
' ' Wednesday. 

" Much Honored,— My Lord Marquesse off Huntly 
has been att sporte this day att the Loch off Cottise, 
and to-morrow desynes to be att the Loche off 
Spynye, therefore we your humble supplicants order 
you to repair in your pinace, most honoured, by to- 
morow, 1)6 eleven, at the mouth off the Eindes, or the 
gray ston off Pifctgeviny. Your personall presence is 
nott douljted, iff leisure allow ; however, order smookes 
to be putt on att Duffus, Crookmoor, &c., ffull of 



46 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 

Leuchar's strong ale, Ijetwixt eleven and twelve this 

night. We are your humble servants, 

" Alexr. Innes : 
Geo. Innes : 
Will. Sutherland." 



Extract from a letter, dated 16th March 1704, from 
Mr. Wiseman, commissary clerk of Elgin, to the same 
address. 

" Eeceive Grossie, and if he play tricks whip him 
weel for his paines, and that is the only way for him ; 
he has not bein in a feild, nor sett a foull since you 
saw it upon a Sabbath day. If I come up I will re- 
quire some days for acquainting you with Grossie's 
hunting, wliich I think the hingdome will not match." 



A dear dog 1 The animal must have been valuable 
and worth the price, as Sir Eobert knew well how to 
make a good bargain. 

" Elgin, ilfarcA 1749. 

" Then received ffrom Sir Eobert Gordon of Gor- 
donstown the quantity of ffive bolls bear, as the 
agreed price of a dog, called Spottie Boug." 



VIII. QUAEANTINE. 

The annexed document is docqueted " Comittee 
concerning the boats of Causy, 1647." The Commis- 
sioners of Supply, we presume, now represent "The 
Comitte of the shyre : "— 

" Elgin, 7 Juhj, 1647. 

" The Comitte of the shyre having mett, and it 
being represented to them that certaine boats, laden 
with goods and passengars, war com from Aberdeen, 
and that a cours might be ta.ken for saving the coun- 
tree from infection, they ordained that the goods 
should remaine on the shore untill the merchants com 
horn to whom they belong, and that thereafter thos 
merchants should goe to Causi and receav the goods, 
and open them and cleanse them thoroughli by the 
advis of the Town or Magistrats of Elgin, or such as 
they appoint ; and that the said merchants or any 
persons that cleans, liandls, or receaves the goods 
should be separat for the space of twenti thre dayes 
or a month, and should be admitted to noe hous or 
societie within the countree untill they be tried, and 



48 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 

found free of infection : and if any of tliem shal fail 
therin to bee punished by death. 

" Lykas, the Comitte and Barons of the shyre 
ordained that the persons who cam in the four boats, 
should be separat, and kept up from al societie, untill 
they be cleansd and tried, and for this effect that ther 
should bee a guard of persons appointed and 

entertained to keip them from straying through the 
countree untill the tym of the trial! pass, and they 
receave a testimonial from the comitte. And it should 
be intimated to the passengers and others suspected 
persons, that ther is warrand given to the guard to 
provyd for them, and in cace they offer to break out 
by fore, and by that means infect the countree, they 
have ordour and warrand to shoot them or put them 
to death. 

" The Laird of Dufus, Sherif of jMuray, Spyni, Pro- 
vest of Elgin, Kirtoun, James Dunbar, appointed to 
meit at Duffus Kirktown, for this effect, on Tuisday 
be eight hours. 

" The Sheriff has undertaken to bring twenty-four 
men here to see ther arms taken from them and thes 
ordours execute. 

" The Comitte ordains the parishes of Forres, Dyke, 
Eafert, and the Laird of Tarbet's land in Alves, to 
secur ffindorn as they wil be answerable, and that a 
guard bee put in the town to remaine ther constant- 
lie, that noe barques or boats upon any pass bee par- 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FOEMER DAYS. 49 

mitted to land without the notice given and consent 
of Robert Dunl)ar of Burgie, Bailies of Forres, Grang- 
hill, Kincorth, Coubin, Brodie, Esterbin, Woodhead, 
or any fiYe of them being present, giving them the 
full powar of the comitee to that effect, and adds to 
them the Sherif of Murray, Tanachi, Kilbyoak, Mr. 
James Campbell of Moye. 

" The Comittee thinks fitt that the parishes of 
Alves, Duffus, King Edward, Spynie, guard the Causi 
two nights about, 24 men or 30 men apiece, and every 
guard to stay two dayes and two nights, till they be 
releived ; and the special heritours in the parishes, or 
their doers, to come with ther parishoners. 

" The Laird of Innes undertakes for the water- 
mouth of Spey to the boat of Bogg, and that he shall 
deal with the rest of the heritours to secure from Bogg 
to Skirdastan and Fiddich. 

'' The Comittee ordains every threti chalder of 
victuall to give a hors to carie malt and salt to 
Badenoch. Kobeet Goedon, Preses," 



Letters from the Clerk of the Justice of Peace 
Court, and from an officer stationed at Burghead : — 

" Mr. Archbald Dunbar of Thundertoune. 

" Elgin, Septer. 22d, 1709. 

" SiE, — By this dayes post ther is come a letter from 
her Majesties Advocat to the Justices of the Peace 



50 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 

of this shire, desireing that on receipt of the said 
letter they may meet in order to consert measures 
for preventing any ships bound from Danzick, or any 
seaport of the Baltick, for this Kingdom, to land any 
men or goods upon this shores, or any mens goeing 
from the shoar aboard of them. The Advocat has 
sent print instructions for this end, and since (as he 
terms it) it is of the very last consequence to our 
lyves and safeties, it ought to quicken your dili- 
gence. Therefor it is proper you meet here to- 
morrow, be ten acloak, for the end aforsaid, I am 
Sir, your most humble servant, 

"Ja: Wiseman. 

" Keceive, inclosed, ane letter from Major Colt, 
which my too nmch anxietie for news made me open 
— which I beg you will excuse. I have wrote to the 
most of all the Justices of the Peace." 



" To the much Honored Mr. Aechbald Dunbar, of Thunderton ; 
" and in his absence to the Laird or Mtrland — heast. 

" Beoughead, 2Uh Sejytr. 1709. 

"Much Honored, — By her Majesties comands, wee, 
the Oifeshers in this presinct, is ordered to call for 
asistance in caice aney ships should atemp to cume 
ashor, or land ther men with long boats. There is 
tuo ships ryding at ankor forgainst this place, and 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 51 

is just noil sending ther boats ashor. Ther is men 
heir that is willing to wacth, but ther is neather 
armes nor amonitione heir. Your help and asist- 
ance, both for men and armes, is requered by, 
much honored, your humbbel servant, 

" Alexr. Philp." 



IX. FISHINGS. 

Landed proprietors who had sea-coast or river 
attached to their estates, employed fishermen, whom 
they paid at certain rates for the fish, after deducting 
the price of the curing-salt which they imported, and 
the fish was sent in large quantities to continental 
towns, where it found a ready sale among the Eoman 
Catholics. 

Sir Harrie unfortunately does not give the year. 
" The Eaick" and " The Pott" are celebrated pools in 
the Spey, near Garmouth : — 

" To the Laird off Thundektox — Heast, heast. 

" liSTNES, June 25, 5 at night. 

" SiK, — You will not (I hope) be displeased when 
I tell you that Wat. Stronoch, this forenoon, killed 
eighteen liiindred Salmon and Grilses. But it is my 
misfortune that the boat is not returned yet from 
Inverness, and I want salt. Therefore by all the tyes 
of friendship send me on your own horses eight barrels 
of salt, or more. When my boat returns, none, par- 
ticularly Coxton, shall want what I have. This in 
great heast from, dear Archie, yours, 

" HaFvPvIe Innes. 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FOEMER DAYS. 53 

" I know not but they may kill as many before two 
in the morning, for till then I have the Eaick, and to- 
morrow the Pott. These twenty years past such a 
run was not as has been these two past days in so 
short a time, therefore heast, heast ; spare not horse 
hyre. 1 would have sent my own horses, but they 
are all in the hill for peatts. Adieu, dear Archie."' 



" To the Laird off Thunderton. 

"Innes, Aug. 20, 1716. 

" SiE, — I am so unweil that now near two o'clock 
I am gott from bed. 

" There is betwixt four and five last of Grilses and 
Salmon packed yesterday. 

" I know the price att Bamffe is above forty merks 
for Grilses. 

" I expectt no harm from your hands. If ye be to 
writte to Holland, cause bring home one thousand 
weight of twyne ffor next years fishing. Also, two 
or three pieces of holland muslin e I want, but I 
understand nott how to commission for itt. 

" Good wyne I love, such as I drunk last with you, 
but I want money. A barrell or two of cucumbers 
and capers my wife speaks of, butt I know not the 
value. Do on the whole as you please, and I shall pay 
you most thankfully, and ever remain, dear Archie, 
yours, Haeeie Innes." 



54 SOCIAL LIFE IX FOKMER DAYS. 

Letter from the fishermen in Burghecad to those in 
Findhorn, relative to the prices given for fish, etc. 
The reply shows that a salted (cod) fish cost a fraction 
under threepence : — 

" For —Thomas Findlay, Skipper, in Findhorn. or to anie other 
" Skeipper in the tonne, in his absence — Thes are : 

" Att Brough, the 30 of Januarie, 1713. 

" Kynd freinds, this is to let you know that Thun- 

dertoun and Eoshaugh was in this town this day, and 

is to cleire with us for our fish on the last day of this 

instant, and desired us to wreit Wast to you what you 

got for your fish, and how manie you gave to the 

hunder. Wreit East ane positive account, and oblidge 

all your freinds and weill- wishers in this toune, young 

and old. Pray you doe not feall to wreit to us, and 

this is all at present, with all having ther serwice to 

you all. 

"William Gebdes. 

John Prot." 



Answer to the above : — 

" flfor William Geddes and John Prot, 

" Skippers in Burgh Sea — These : 

" FriNDHORN, January the SO th, 1713. 

" AVe receaved your letter, and in answer therto 
we hav goten but an pairt of our moey, and as for 
the prise, we are informed by Andrew Adam that our 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FOEMER DAYS. 55 

prise is not to be broken of what we got formirly, 
which was nintin pound Scots the hiinder, and we 
pay twelve shiling Scots for the peck of salt, and we 
giv six scor and twelve for each hunder. This is all 
we can show you as to that mater. This being the 
nedfull from your frends and well-wishers, 

'' Gilbert Thom. 
John Marnoch." 



"The Seven Brethren" was chartered by the 
Lairds of Kilravock, Clava, Thunderton, Kinsterie, 
and Muirtown. The Captain, William Dawson, 
afterwards Provost of Forres, also had a share of 
the cargo : — 

"FiNDHORN, the 17th November 1708. 

" Accompt of the first cost and charges of ane load- 
ing of Bear, Salmond, Hareing, and Cod-fish, shipped 
aboard the shipp, the Seven Brethren, for Lisbone, 
viz. : — 



To 7911 bolls of bear, at £S, 6s. 8d. per boll, 
To 3 last hareings, at £96 per last, 
To 6500 diyed codd-fish, at £14 per 100, . 
To 6 barrels salmond, at £38 per barrell. 
To 18 barrells of mlses at l-5th rebate of 
salmond price, ...... 



£2,638 


6 


8 


288 








910 








228 








547 


4 





£4,611 


10 


8 



56 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMEU DAYS. 



Chakges. 
To 300 dales for buRclaline, 



stelline, and bulkes-liead, 
To trees for stools and bearers, 
To nailes for bugdaline, &c., 
To carpentares for bugdaline, 
To receiveing of 791 J bolls bear 

at Is. per boll, 
To sliippeing of said bear, at 8d 

per boll, 
To sliippeing salmond, liareing, 

and cod-fisli, 
To f of averadge in and ont to 

Findliorn, . . . . 
To cockett, bill of health, suffer- 
ance, &c., to Custom-hous, . 
To cash given the surveyor for 

attendance, . . . . 
To cash for towing the dales out 

at the end, . . . . 
To personall charges and horse- 

hyr hence to Inverness, 



£100 

10 

10 

12 

39 11 6 

26 7 8 

5 12 

8 

9 
12 16 

5 12 2 

10 2 



£249 1 4 



£4,860 12 0" 



"FlNDHORN, . . . 1717. 

" Invoice of the Jannet of Belfast, John Mackmichan, 
master, for Diepe — 



To 121 barrell grilsess, at £2 per barrell, 
To 35 barrell salmon, at £2, 10s. per barrell. 
To 31 barrell herreings, at 10s. per barrell is 



Sterling. 

£242 

87 10 

15 10 

£345 0" 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 57 

Here are a few items from a long account of the 
disbursements connected with the " securing" of four 
whales, which were stranded in November 1729 on 
the sands of Burghead. In this enterprise were con- 
cerned Brodie of Brodie, Lord Lyon King-at-Arms, 
Sir Eobert Gordon of Gordonston, Premier Baronet of 
Scotland, and Dunbar of Thunderton, formerly Sheriff 
of the County, all of whom thus became dealers in 
spermaceti and whale s blubber ! 

" To two himdred and sixty horse loads 
of speck, frgm ebb to high water, att 
1 peny each, £118 

To two hundred and sixty horse loads 
of speck from the shoar to the Corf 
house, att Ish. st. per load, . .13 

To two hundred men employed att 
different tides for turning and tear- 
ing the whales, att 8sh. per tide, . 6 13 4 

£20 15 



To carriage of 78 hhds. 1 turce. from 
different places to the Corf-house, 
being thirty- nine horse loads, att 
Ish. St. per load, . . . . 1 19 

To fraught of 3 6 hhds. from Cromarty 

to Burgh-head, . . . .228 

To fraught of 12 hhds. from Chanry 

to Findhorn, 10 

To carriage of six loads of herring casks 
from Findhorn to Outlet, for float- 
ing the whales, att Isli. st. per 
load, G 



58 SOCIAL LIFE IN FOEMER DAYS. 



To returning the same, 





6 







To nine herring casks bought att Find- 










horn, for containing the sperma and 










blubber, 


£1 


2 


6 


£6 



To five drag ropes, bought from the 
skippers of Burghead for securing 
the said whales on the shoar, .500 

To cash paid the five skippers of Burgh- 
head, with their crews, for their 
pains and diligence in killing and 
securing the whales, being fifty men 
in number, . . . . .10 

To Anne Sutherland in Burgh-head 

her account of all charges, . .700 

To Skipper Geddess's account of ale 

and brandy, 10 

To a blacksmith in C outfield for mak- 
ing seven knives, . . . .0106 

To the coupers for tighting, heading, 
and packing the sperma on the 
shoar, .050 



£23 15 



To ten loads of peats burnt on the 
shoar, att 6d. per load, by the 
watchmen, 5 

To nine days work, of eight men, bar- 
relKng the blubber, at 5sh. 4d. st. 
per diem, 2 8 

To thirty-two days attendance by Wm. 
ISTaughty on the coupers and cutters 
in the Corf-house, att Ish. st. per 
diem, 1 12 



1 



£4 5 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 59 

A ship, called " Susana of Biirlingtown, of the 
burden of fForty tuns, then lying in the harbour of 
Lossie — ffrancis Bulson, master," AA\as chartered, at 
sixteen shillings per ton, to carry the "blubber and 
spermaceti " to London. It was there disposed of by 
Peter Machattie, factor for the parties. The unskilful 
manner in which the " speck " was separated from the 
"flock'' reduced the expected quantity of oil. Mr. 
Mach attic's communication must have l)rought down 
the ardour of the blubber co-partnery to the freez- 
ing-point ! 

" To Archd Dunbarr oif Newton, Youngar, 
"per Ednbr. to Elgin. 

"London, Wth Jully, 1730. 

"Sir, — Eeferring to mine of 25th and the 27th 
past, since have yours of 20th do., with Thundarton's 
account of chearges, amounting to £85, 19s. 5|d., 
upon the whales blobber and spermacetta, which sum 
is more, I am afraid, than will be made of the subject 
in some time. The blobber is all oyled, and the quan- 
tity thereofl" will not exceed six or seven tuns, as is 
beleived by the boyler, who cannot, as yett, give the 
true account — it being upon the water in fatts, ready 
to be run off in casks, which I hope will be in a day 
or two's time ; and for the spermacetta it is very 
littell in quantity, the most of the casks being oyll, 
and the spermacetta is at present low. However, I 
am informed it is giving a better price in Holland, to 



60 SOCIAL LIFE IN FOEMER DAYS. 

wliicli place I have sent ovar a tray all, and att the 
return of my lettar shall, I hope, be eahell to give a 
satisfactory account thereoff. The reason which is 
given for the small produce of the blobber is that a 
great deall of the flock was cut in with the speck, 
which has consumed the oyll and wested the substance 
thereoff. There has been such propar measures taken 
with it, which I hope will appear to be most advan- 
tagious for the propreiators thereoff, and shall endea- 
vour to dispose of the same to the best account. 
Eeferring till next post, I am, with perfound respectt 
to Sir Eobert and Thundarton, Sir, your most obedient 
humbell servant. Pet. Machattie." 

An abstract of account shows that Thunderton's 
outlay was £85, 19s. 5Jd. ; Sir Eobert's, £55, 8s. 2d. ; 
Brodie's, £2 7, 2s. 3d. — total money laid out, £168, 
8s. lojd. The net proceeds are stated at £112, 
15s. lljd. ; showing a dead loss of £55, 13s. lid. 
sterling. Whatever profit may have accrued from 
cod sales to Morayshire lairds, it is evident that 
whales were not in their particular line ! 



X. IMPRESSING FOR THE NAVY. 

In time of war, every sea -coast proprietor was 
obliged to furnish a certain quota of men to the 
navy : — 

^'' To Archibald Dunbar, Esqr., of Duffus. 

" Elizabeth Tender, att Sj^ey mouth, 
28th Septr. 1761. 

" SiK, — Being appointed by the Honble. Captain 
George Falconer to receive the quotas of fishermen, 
for this district, agreeable to his letter to you, I hope 
you will be so kind as forward this service as fast as 
possible. 

" As it is far against my inclination to distress the 
fisheries of this country, I beg you will favour me 
with a list of your fishermen, with their age and 
descriptions, and your method of delivering up your 
quota, that I may immediately grant protections to 
the remaining fishermen, and the Government not be 
long under the expense of a vessel and forty men 
attending this duty that is wanted in another station. 
I am, Sir, your most obedient and most humble 
servant, A. Baillie." 



62 SOCIAL LIFE IX FOEMEE DAYS. 

Captain Falconer s printed circular, to which Lieu- 
tenant Baillie called attention, intimates, that by 
authority of the Commissioners of the Admiralty, 
the fishermen ^vould be protected from impressment 
during the present war on this condition, " that you 
immediately furnish one man to the navy out of every 
six of them, and deliver them to the naval officer of 
your district to be approved/' The circular proceeds 
thus :— 

" Upon delivering your proportion, you will please 
give in to the said Naval Officer a full list of the 
remainder of your fishers, subscribed by you as Pro- 
prietor, containing their Names, Ages, Size, Com- 
plexion, or other description, so as five Protections 
may be delivered for every man so furnished to the 
Xavy ; and which Protections, by the aforesaid Autho- 
rity, 1 do assure you, will eftectually prevent the pos- 
sessors of them from being impressed dm'ing the 
present war ; or if, through mistake, they should at 
any time be impressed, upon apphcation to me, or 
the commanding Officer for the time, they will be 
immediately discharged. 

" This moderate demand, on such assurances of 
security for the future, I fiatter myself will be chear- 
fully and immediately complied ^^dth by all concerned. 
But if, contrary to expectation, the proposal should be 
rejected by any, they may depend on it, their fisher- 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FOKMER DAYS. 63 

men, \Yliere ever found, either on sea or land, will be 
impressed ; nor will any solicitations on their behalf 
be listened to by their Lordships, and much less by 
your most obedient humble servant, 

" Geoege Falconer. 

" Edinburgh, 



" This will be forwarded 3^ou by. 
to whom please send your answer." 



There was difficulty both at Findhorn and Burghead 
in getting men to serve. 

" [On His Majesty's Service.) 
" To Archibald Dunbar of Newton, Esq., 
" at his house at DufFus. 

" FoKRES, '2d March 1757. 

" Sir, — I am surprised you have neither performed 
your own promise nor comply ed with my orders and 
advice. I know, and am informed your number of 
fishers (distinctly from Sir Eobert Gordon s) is not 
under twenty men, out of which the King must have 
three young men ; and I know as well as yourself 
that those that are fittest for me are Alexr. Sutor, 
Andrew Grote, and James Neilson, and if you do not 
quickly send me those men, the Brough shall quickly 
run the same fate with Findhorn ; and I am. Sir, your 
humble servant, 

" R. Hay, Lieutenant^ 



XL SMUGGLING. 

The duty on wine and brandy was thought so 
high, that constant attempts were made to smuggle 
them into the country. Extract from a letter to 
Dunbar of Thunderton, in 1710, written by William 
Sutherland, merchant in Elgin : — 

"... I have ventured to order Skipper Watt, how 
soon it pleases God he comes to the firth, to call at 
Caussie, and cruise betwixt that and Burgh-head, until 
you order boats to waite him. He is to give the half 
of what I have of the same sort with his last cargoe, 
to any having your order. Its not amiss you secure 
one boat at Caussie as well as the burgh boats. The 
signall he makes will be all sails furled, except his 
main topsaile ; and the boats you order to him are to 
lower their saile when within muskett shott, and then 
hoise it again : this, least he should be surprised with 
catch-poles. He is to write you before he sails from 
Bordeaux, per Elgin post." . . . 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 65 

When the cliief magistrate countenanced such pro- 
ceedings, we cannot blame the '' Vintner : " — 



" 21th Ajjrile 1716. 

" Alexr. Erskine, Collector of the Customs att In- 
verness, protests against Archbald Dunbar of Thun- 
derton, Provost of Elgine, ffor all damage and loss 
that has happened to seven hogsheads of rede wine, 
imbezled without payment of duty, and seized by 
Alexr. Cummine, tydsurveyor att Inverness, in the 
sellar of William Crombie, vintner in Elgine, one of 
the keys of the said seUar being in custody of the 
said Archbald Dunbar, and delivered to him by Alexr. 
Cummine fforesaid, which key he refused to me, the 
said Alexr. Erskine, on the 26 th att night, and next 
morning the hanging lock of the said seUar of which 
the said collector had the key, was brock off, and the 
other lock of which Thunderton had the key was 
intire and close lockt up, which he himself opened, 
and upon tapping, the fforesaid seven casks was found 
with nothing in them but water, a little coUoured with 
wine, whereas they were all left by the fforsaid Alexr. 
Cummine ffuU of good and sufficient rede wine upon 
his delivering up the key to the said Archbald Dunbar, 
and thereffor protests that he shall be lyable in the 
ffiill value of the fforsaid seven hogsheads of rede 
wine, conforme to eighteen pound per hogshead ; and 
also protests against the fforsaid William Crombie, 

E 



66 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 

vintner, fFor the value of said wine being imbezled 
by bim and taken in without paying the duty, and 
also carried out of his said sellar and the cask ffilled 
up with water. Alexr. Erskine." 

" Alexr. Erskine, Collector of the Customs att In- 
verness, protests against Archbald Dunbar of Thunder- 
ton, Provost of Elgine, and Justice of the Peac of the 
County of Murray, ffor refusing to me a warrant to 
search such houses, kilns, barns, &c., of the town of 
Elgine and adjacent places in that countie, and refus- 
ing to giv me a constable to goe along with me to 
search ifor wine imbezled out of the sellar of AVilham 
Crombie, vintner in Elgine, and other uncostomed 
goods, confforme to a write of assistance produced 
to him. Alexr. Erskine." 



Charles Eyre, Esq., Solicitor for H.M. Customs in 
Scotland, took the matter up, but as he was fond 
of good wine, it was agreeably settled by Ludovic 
Brodie, W.S., who writes thus : — 

"... Your affair with the Exchequer has bein 
advysed, and the bills are ordered to be re-dely vered, 
you peaying the officiers' costs who seized the wynes. 
Now the costs to them, according to the rules of 
Court, will be but about three or four guineas, besyde 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 67 

what may be claimed for information getting, as to 
whicli Mr Erskin seems not to demand anything for 
himself ; but to referr himself to your discretion. . . . 
This matter has stood the most drinking (and also 
some considerable charges) that ever I drunk in any 
other, for tho Eyre be a gentlemanie prettie litle 
fellow, yet he drinks lyke a d — 1, and I have had 
many sore heads with him. . . . Wy soman will not 
deny but I desyred him to cause buy or make such 
a brydle as would please you : if you do not plague 
him with your tongue, you are in wrong to yourself 
and me, for he would not loose ane hour s drinking 
for all the bussieness in the world." 



In November 1744, William Gordon, Master of the 
ship " Betty/' belonging to Portsoy, ran a cargo of 
wine, brandy, tobacco, etc., into the harbour of Spey, 
and from thence sent boats which landed part at 
various places along the Moray Firth. The Commis- 
sioners of Customs ordered a precognition to be taken 
by the local Justices, and a report to be sent to them. 
The majority of the Justices, however, said they could 
not legally compel parties to depone by way of pre- 
cognition, especially when they refused to say any- 
thing in a matter which might eventually be brought 
against them. At an adjourned meeting of the 



68 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMEU DAYS. 

Justices, held at Elgin on 13tli January 1745, the 
chairman read the following letter from Duncan 
Forbes, Lord President of the Court of Session : — 

" Deah Sik, — The Christmas holy-days, which have 
emptied the town, and adjourned the Board of Cus- 
toms, have prevented my being able to write you on 
the subject of your smuggling, as I once thought I 
should ; but lest what I may write upon consultation 
with others should come too late for your meeting on 
the 15th inst, I have taken the part in the mean 
time of dropping you this line. 

" I have not been more surprized for a great while, 
than when I heard that a majority of Justices, at your 
last meeting, putt off the precognition on a doubt 
whether they lawfully could take information from 
the witnesses upon oath, and thereby, however inno- 
cent their intentions were, flung some cold water at 
least upon the inquiry. 

" As to the doubt itself, I confess I am at a loss to 
guess on what it is founded ; precognitions have at aU 
times been taken on oath in Scotland, and hence the 
established practice in the Court of Justiciary, of can- 
celling, at the trial, the oath formerly emitted on the 
precognition, before the witness emit his deposition 
in Court, if he desire it. No occult crime, however 
dangerous to the common weal, or to the Crown, 
could be detected or punished, if witnesses w^ere in 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 69 

the least backward, without a power, in those whose 
duty it is to enquire, to examine upon oath. And 
if the practice of England is enquired into, no Justice 
can commit, as they may in Scotland, upon a signed 
information only. The Justice must examine the 
informant upon oath before he can issue his warrant, 
so that, as I apprehend the scruple is without any 
just foundation, I doubt not at your next meeting, 
after gentlemen have had time to inform themselves 
duely, it will evanish. 

" I cannot suffer myself to suspect that, considering 
the notoriety of the mischief that smuggling does to 
this poor unhappy country, and the forwardness lately 
shown, by all ranks of men, to express their detesta- 
tion of it, and to bind themselves to one another and 
to the publick, by resolutions and engagements of 
honour, to discourage that villanious tralfick, any 
gentleman or number of gentlemen, will in broad day 
light, and in an open Court (whatever their connec- 
tion with, or tenderness for the unhappy smuggler be), 
be so impudently profligate as to attempt to screen 
the cut throats of their country, and thereby expose 
themselves to the universal contempt and abhorrence 
of mankind. Such an attempt requires more than 
an ordinary degree of courage and wickedness ; tlie 
guilty person cannot hope to remain unknown, the 
Minutes of the Court must record his infamy, nor is 
it to be expected by him that the character, which by 



70 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 

sucli practices he may purchase, shall remain confined 
to his own country : the common post can, by an 
Extract of the Minutes, convey his fame to Edin- 
burgh, from whence it may be communicated to the 
whole kingdom. 

" Now tho', for these reasons, I hope you will be 
unanimous at your next meeting, yet, if contrary to 
my expectations, and very much against my wish, the 
smugglers should find protection, and the national 
justice, as well as interest, should be defeated, I hope 
you will be so good as to transmit the Minutes, dis- 
tinguishing how eacli Justice voted, that, besides fur- 
nishing me as a private gentleman with information 
who I ought to detest and avoid as a scoundrell, I 
may be able to inform my fellow-subjects, as far as 
that may be done within the laws, whom they ought to 
look upon as enemies to their country. Other rebukes 
they may possibly meet with, but it is not necessary 
to speak of that at present. I write, you see, with 
great freedom, as I am very much in earnest ; but 
what I have said are the dictates of my heart, and 
you are at full Hberty to make what use you please 
of what I have wrote. This mean, shameful course 
to destruction must be prevented, or our unhappy 
country must be undone. Make my compliments to 
every one who can lay his hand on his heart and say 
he does not deserve the title of Kascal, and believe me 
to be, &c., Dun. Forbes.'' 



XII. THE FAMILIES OF BUEGIE AND OF 
GEANGE. 

Egbert Dunbar sold the estate of Burgie, about 
the year 1660, to his cousin, Thomas Dunbar of 
Grange, in whose family it continued until the death, 
in 1827, of his descendant and male representative, 
Lewis Dunbar Brodie. Although he had parted with 
the estate, Eobert still retained the designation " of 
Burgie," which was also assumed by his descendants, 
who, on subsequently acquiring property near Elgin, 
made the Dean's manse, now North College, their chief 
seat. The last so designated Laird of Burgie, John 
Dunbar, got into difficulties, sold his estates, which 
we have shown were in the vicinity of Elgin, and is 
supposed to have emigrated about 1756 to Carolina, 
where his brother Eobert had previously settled. 

These particulars are given, because, on a compe- 
tition by claimants for the estate of Burgie, in 1827, 
time and money were wasted by persons who did not 
attend to the fact, that the later proprietors of that 
estate were not the '' Dunbars of Burgie," but the 
" Dunbars of Grange." 



72 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 

The Earl of Moray's letter had the desired effect. 
The King's authority was vindicated by the expulsion 
of " young Burgie." 

" For the Eight Honorable my Lord Chancellor, and remanent 
Lords of his Majesties most honorable Privle Counsell : 

" Castle Stewart, l^th May, 1668. 

" Eight Honorable, — I am treuly sory that ther 
should such a necessity ly upon me as to give your 
Lordship notice of any rude and illegal disorders 
falling out in the place of my residence ; but that 
your Lordship in your wisedome may both punish 
and redress this and obviat the lyke, I find myself 
oblidged to give your Lordship ane accompt of what 
has past upon some civil transactions betwixt the 
Lairds of Grange and Burgy. Burgy did give Grange 
possession of his hous and estate, and did dispone the 
same unto him for very onerous causes ; and whilst 
Grange, his wife, and family were settled and hving 
in the hous of Burgy, young Burgy did, on the six- 
teenth day of May inst., with armed men, enter the 
hous, and eject Grange, his servants and family, and 
possess himself of the hous, plenishing, trunks, papers, 
and whatever was in the hous, and plants a garrisone 
in it. Upon notice whereof I wrot to the actor by a 
messenger, and required him in the King's Majesties 
name, and your Lordship's, to disband these armed 
men, and retire himself, repossess Grange to the hous 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 73 

and goods which he had wrongfully invaded ; but 
instead of yielding, he did with great contumacy re- 
fuse either to render the hous or restore the goods, 
as the letters and instruments thereupon will make 
appear to your Lordship. Upon which high contempt 
and violation of his Majesty's laws and peace of the 
kingdom I could not be silent, but give your Lord- 
ship an accompt theirof, that you may in your justice 
vindicate the King's authority and laws from such 
barbarous contempt, and tak some speedy and sum- 
mare way to reduce and punish this insolency, to 
the terror of others, and encouragement of his Majes- 
ties good subjects, who place ther safety from violence 
in the shaddow of his Majesties laws and G-overment. 
The partie grieved will apply himself to your Lord- 
ship for redress, whose just cause and the peace of the 
countrey I crave leave to present to your Lordship's 
favour ; and that his Majesties service may prosper in 
your hands is the constant desyre of, Eight Honorable, 
your most humble servant, Morray." 



" These are to empower macers of the Justice Court, 
or messengers of arms, or town officers, within the 
town of Edinburgh, to apprehend the persons of 
Kobert Dunbar of Burgie, elder, and of Alex. Petrie, 
and to require all Magistrates to concurre with them, 



74 SOCIAL LIFE IN FOEMER DAYS. 

and to seize the saids persons till they find caution to 
appeare when they shall be cited, and that they shall 
demean themselves in the interval peaceablie. Given 
at Edinburgh the sixteenth day of June sixteen hun- 
dred thrie score eio^ht. Eothes, Chancellor.'' 



" I, Sir Charles Araskine of Cambo, Knight Baronet, 
Lyon KiDg at Amies, Wheras be ane act of the Privie 
Counsell, dated the eighteinth day of June instant, 
given in favours of Thomas Dunbar of Grainge against 
Eobert Dunbars elder and younger of Burgie and 
their complices, wherupon letters ar raised direct to 
me, you, and our remanent brethren heraulds, to 
pass with ane coat of armes displayed and sound of 
trumpet, and in our Soveraigne Lord's name and 
authoritie to charge the said Eobert Dunbar, younger 
of Burgie,^ and his complices speciallie named in the 
said act, to compear beforr the Lords of Privie Coun- 
sell upon the threttie day of July next to come, for 
the causses at length contained in the said act and 

^ In tracing tlie history of north, country families, it were "weU to bear 
in mind that the designation of an estate added to a person's name, does 
not necessarily prove the ownership of such estate ; of this we could give 
numerous examples, let one, however, suffice. Archibald Dunbar sold the 
lands of Thunderton, in Aberdeenshire, in 1712, to Charles Gordon of 
Buthlaw, yet during the remainder of his life, he (Archibald) was designed 
"of Thunderton;" and his successors in the estate of Duffus, though 
never possessed of an acre of the Thunderton estate, were for upwards 
of a century commonly so designated. 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FOEMER DAYS. 75 

letters : These ar therforr ordaineing you, Herome 
Spence, Kothsay Herauld, with ane trumpeter in 
your companie, conform to the tenor of the said act 
and letters, to cite and charge the said Eobert 
Dunbar, younger of Burgie, and his complices, and to 
do all other things requisit and necessar prescrybed 
be the said act and letters, conform to the tenor of 
the samen, and this my order and warrant to you for 
that effect in all points. Given under my hand at 
Edinburgh the tuentie third day of July 1668, and 
sealled with my seaP of office. 

" Char. Askine, Lyon!' 



The Laird of Burgie's License, 1665. 

" We, AVilliam Lord Bellenden of Broughton, Lord 
Thesourer Deputt of the Kingdom of Scotland, dooth 
hearby give libertie and lisence to Eobert Dumbear of 
Burgie, and all such as ar of his family, or shall accom- 
pany him att table, to eatt flesh in this forbidden 
tym of Lent, and on all other forbidden dayes, till 
Lent nixt, in the yeir 1666, without any trouble or 
penaltie to be incurred be him or them for the samyen, 
notwithstanding of any Acts made, or to be made, 
in the contrary. Dated Edinburgh the 20th daye of 
Febuary. Bellenden." 

^ A copy of this seal will be found in Mr. Laing's Catalogue of Scottish 
Seals, about to issue from the press. 



76 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 

The widow of Eoss of Pitcalnie was proud of her 
descent from the house of Burgie. 

'• To Alex. Dunbar, Esq. 

" EDii^BUUGH, 20th July, 176L 

"Sir, — In answer to yours of the 13th, threatening 
me with caption, I can only repeat what I wrote when 
you acquainted me in yours of the 4th, that you was 
obliged to raise horning on my bill. Therefore I re- 
fer to what I then TSTote, and shall only add that your 
father may put his caption in execution against me. 
I can go to prison ; the affront won't be mine, and 
before I come out, the Fifteen Lords shall know the 
merits of the cause that laid Burgie's daughter and 
Pitcalnie's widow in such quarters. 

" Not in the least finding fault with yom^ conduct, 
which I verily beheve is much against your inclina- 
tion, I am, dear Sir, your affectionate cousin, and very 
humble servant, Naomi Ross." 



XIII. AN EXTEAYAGANT AND UNDUTIFUL 

WIFE. 

Inhibition proclaimed at the market-crosses of 
Elgin and Forres : — 

" Charles, be the Grace of God, King of Great 
Brittane, ffrance, and Irland, Defendar of the faith, 
to our Lovits, 

Messingers, our Shrefs in that pairt, conjunctlie and 
severalie specialie constitute, greiting. fforsnameikle 
as it is humblie meined and shown to us be our lovit 
James Dunbar of Inshbrok, that where Katharine 
M'Kenzie, his spous, having casten off the fear of 
God and that conjugall respect and reverence that 
she owes to the said complainer, her lawfuU husband ; 
and having betaken hirselfe to the councill and ad- 
vyce of certain evill disposed and ungodlie persones, 
who haunts with hir, she daylie spends, abuses, and 
waists, the said complainer his substance with the 
said persones ; and contracts and takes on debts and 
sowmes of money, which the said complainer is alto- 
gither unable to pay ; and makes, blocks, and bargains 
for merchand weir ; sels and hypothecats his houshold 
plenishing, inshight goods and geir ; and ther are some 
persones who furnish hir with merchand wair, aill, 



78 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 

wine, bread, baken meats, and lend hir money, wliicli 
the said complainer is altogitlier unable to pay, and 
whilk will tend to the mine of him, his wife, and 
children, and the litle fortune whilk it has pleased 
God to bestow upon him, without remeid be provyded. 
as is alledged. 

Our will is theirfor, and we charge you straithe 
and comand that, incontinent thir our letters seen, ye 
pass, and in our name and authoritie, inhibite and 
discharge the said Katherine M'Kenzie, the said com- 
pliner his spous, that she on nawayes sell, analyie, 
dispone, hypothecat, nor put away any of his said 
houshold plenishing, goods, geir, inshight, abulzie- 
ments, nor others pertaining to him ; nor yet contract 
nor ontake debts, sowmes of money for merchand 
wair, wine, aill, bread, baiken meats, or others, where- 
by the said complainer may be driven in debt or 
compelled to pay the same ; nor yet contract, block, 
nor bargin with any persone for that effect ; and 
sicklyke, that ye, in our said name and authoritie, 
inhibite and discharge all and sundrie, our leidges 
and all others whom it effeirs, be open proclimation 
at the mercat croses of our burghs of Elgin and 
Forres, and other places neidfuU, within this our 
kingdome, that they, nor none of them presume, nor 
take upon hand, to take or receave, be dispositione or 
hypothecatione, nor pledge, fra the said Katharine 
M'Kenzie, any of the said complainer's houshold plen- 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FOEMER DAYS. 79 

ishing, goods, geir, insliight, abulziements, or others 
pertaining and belonging to him ; nor yet lend to 
hir sowmes of money upon band, ticket, acompt, or 
other way es ; nor yet furnish to hir merchand wair, 
wine, aill, aquavitse, brandie, baiken meat, nor other 
hquors, whereby the said complainer may be driven 
in debt ; nor yet contract, l^lock, nor bargin with hir, 
any maner of way, to the said complainer his pre- 
judice : certifieiug them, and ilk of them that failzies 
and does in the contrair, the samen shall be decerned 
to be null and of no availl. And the said complainer 
shall not be holdin to pay any debts, sowmes of 
money, or others, furnished to his said spous, eftir 
the publicatione of thir presents conform to the lawes 
and practiqe of this kingdome in all points. And 
that ye cause registrat thir our letters, with the exe- 
cution therof, within fourtie dayes nixt eftir the 
execution of the samen, conform to the act of parlia- 
ment, according to justice, as ye will answear to 
us therupon : the whilk to do we committ to you, 
conjunctlie and severalie, our full power be thir our 
letters, delyvering them be you, duelie execute and 
indorsit again to the bearer. Given under our signet, 
at Edinburgh the third day of September, and of our 
reigne the threttie fift yeir, 1683. 

" Ex deliberatione dominorum Concilij. 

" And : Young.*" 



XIV. OFFICE OF HERITABLE SHERIFF 
OF MORAY. 

Sir Alexander Dunbar of Westfield was, about 
the year 1446, created Heritable Sheriff of Moray, and 
the office continued ^Yith the descendants of his eldest 
son, who either acted themselves or by depute, for 
nearly three hundred years. 

Order to the Sheriff regarding the County Mem- 
ber : — 

" To The High Sheriff of the SMre of Elgin, 
" Free. 

" From the House of Commons, 
''the22dofMay 1721. 

" Sir, — I am commanded by the House of Commons 
to acquaint you that you are immediately, upon re- 
ceipt of this, to summon the Representative of your 
Shire to attend his service in ParHament on Monday 
the ffifth day of June next, and you are to give me an 
account of the receipt of this, and what you have done 
thereupon, upon pain of incurring the displeasure of 
the said House. — I am. Sir, your humble servant, 

" Sp : CoMPTON, Speaker!' 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FOE^fEK DAYS. 81 

Even the ducal house of Gordon paid deference 
to the Sheriff of Moray. Thomas Miller had been 
assaulted by dependants of the Duke, who wished to 
settle the matter in his own Eegality Court. The 
delinquents were, however, seized and imprisoned by 
the Sheriff:— 

" Mr. James ffRASER, Sriff-Clrk. of 
" Elgine and fforres, 

^' Elgine. 

" Gordon Castle, 2Sd June, 1720. 

" Sir, — The Sheriffs of Murray have always observed 
a strict decorum and a neighbourly way with the 
Duke of Gordon, with reguaird to his and their juris- 
dictions, which is cumulative. The present Duke, my 
master, will cultivat frindshyp and good correspond- 
ence with the present Sheriff of Murray, not doubting 
but he will receive just returns. 

"A little, fantastick, nonsolvent, and troublesome 
animal, Thomas Miller, no weaver, no prentise, no 
inhabitant, yet maliciously takes upon him to raise 
vexatious processes against some of my master's ser- 
vants : I humbly expect my Lord Sheriff will deal 
tenderly in this matter. I dare not pre-limit his judg- 
ment, but I say to you that the matter pursued ought 
to be remitted to the judge ordinary of the place. — I 
am your most humble servant, 

" Alexe. Abeecromby." 



82 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER, DAYS. 

Ludovic Dunbar of Westfielcl, in 1724, being in 
reduced circumstances, sold the jurisdiction for two 
thousand pounds to the Earl of Moray. Against this 
sale Thomas Dunbar, D.D., Vicar of Little Bustead, 
Essex, the nearest heir-male, had entered an inhibi- 
tion, but it was found that " Westfield," the seller, 
was " absolute ffiar, and under no prohibitory, irritant, 
or resolutive clauses, by the rights and infeftments of 
the estate and office, to bar him from selling." To 
his kinsmen in Moray, who wished him to redeem 
the property and to prevent a sale, Thomas Dunbar 
sent an answer which proves that he could feel, act, 
and write like a scholar and a gentleman : — 

" LoNDO]sr, July 2^, 1723. 

" Gentlemen, — I received your favour of the 2 0th 
of May, by the hands of the Right Honble. the Lord 
Lovat, for whose generous condescention and kind 
concern and endeavours I have the greatest defference 
and regard, But as to the subject matter of your 
letter, (not to trouble you mth the unkind treatment 
I mett with from those of your name I had the hotmor 
to be presented to, and particularly from the present 
Shereff's father when I was in that countrey,) I must 
beg leave to enquire what power the late Sheriffe 
James, or his brother, had to lay so great a burthen of 
debts, as you mention, upon an entailed estate ; and 
who they were that encouraged, countenanced, or con- 
nived att their so doin^ ; for I have seen an instru- 



SOCIAL LIFE IX FORMER DAYS. 83 

ment of resignation by which their father, Alexr. 
Dunbar of Westfield, seems to limite that estate, and 
the inheritance of it, to his heirs male, and for each of 
such to his heirs female, with certain conditions and 
restrictions, as the kind bearer hereof \^11 inform you 
more at large. Now, if your law, (to which I am 
pretty much a stranger,) notwithstanding such entail, 
leaves it in the power of every prodigal or extravagant 
heir to confound an estate which has been so long in 
a family, and descended to him in a regular line of 
succession, surely this can be no inducement to any 
tollerrably discreet person to improve or augment, but 
much less to redeem such an estate. But this you 
seem to have intirely given up, or to acquiesse in, and 
I doe confess it is not now my business, but the pre- 
sent SherifFe's, to consider, and I wish it may long be 
so. Tho' if it should be my fate to survive, which I 
by no means desire, the purchasers must expect to be 
called to account. But that the office should be liable 
to the same fate, is so prodigiously shocking that I 
hardly know how to declare myself upon that head 
with any toUerable temper and decency {ohstupui, 
steterwitque comce, et vox faucihus liwsit)} That it 
should be in the power of any one sherifFe, without 
the consent of heires presumptive or in reversion, to 
dispose of, or allienate, an office which, in all the in- 

1 " I was amazed, and my hair stood on end, and my voice clung to 
my jaws." 



84 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 

struments I have seen, and by what I have heard, was 
ever called and esteemed hereditary. The argument 
you are pleased to make use of, in justification of so 
rash and bold an attempt, is that without the sale of 
this valuable branch of the Sheriffe's inheritance, his 
family must want subsistence. But I pray, gentle- 
men, give me leave to aske how his family would 
have been subsisted if his predecessor had lived. And 
can you thinke it reasonable, that I (who am threat- 
ened to be excluded, disinherited, and finally cut off, 
from a reversion to which, in my turn, I am entitled 
by birth, by blood, and by all the laws of God, of 
nature, and I hope of my countrey) should straiten 
myselfe or lessen that small fortune, which, by the 
blessing of God, I owe entirely to my own industry 
and application, to the afiiuence of a person who has 
so shamefully prostituted all the rules of honour and 
justice ? That I have a due regard to the character 
and dignity of that ancient family, you will observe 
by the steps and measures I have taken, and (by God's 
permission) am steadfastly purposed to maintain, and 
pursue at the expence of all I am worth, even to the 
dernier resort^ and therefore, caveat emptor.^ 

" And now, gentlemen, though I have expressed my- 
selfe with some warmth in an affair which not only 
affects me, but yourselves, and, as you justly observe, 
ought to have very great weight with all that bear the 

1 The last resort. 2 Let the purchaser beware. 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 85 

name of Dunbar, or that have the remotest connection 
with it; yet I doe most sincerely acknowledge your 
goodness, in the kind concern you express for the 
support of an ancient family, and all the honour you 
have done me in this application. I pray God have 
you all in his good care and protection, and am, with 
greatest regard and esteem, your affectionate kinsman 
and most obedient humble servant, 

" Tho. Dunbar. 

" I had once some thoughts of giving my selfe the 
pleasure of visiting my native country this summer ; 
but the loss of my dear and only brother, and the 
difficulties I have been involved in on that account, 
render such an absence impracticable att present. 
But if it should please God to spare my life and 
health another year, I will not despair of that satisfac- 
tion, nor of an opportunity of waiting upon you att 
your several seats, and making a personal acknow- 
ledgement of this favour and condescention.'' 



It is remarkable that of the Westfield family, which 
for centuries was of great importance, there should be 
difficulty in finding out the heir-male. The Vicar of 
Little Bustead predeceased Ludovic Dunbar, whose 
death and succession are thus alluded to in letters 



86 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 

from Ludovic Brodie, W.S., to William King of Ne^Y- 
miln, Elgin : — 

" Edinburgh, 25 Aprlle 1744. 

" I return you many thanks for your early intelli- 
gence of tliat unhappy and melancholy accident which 
terminated the life of poor Dunbar of Westfield. I 
should be glad to know whether he hath left, signed 
by him, any deed of settlement of his estate in favours 
of the Lady Hemprigs, nearest heir of line, for other- 
wise I am afraid, as it is provided to heirs male what- 
soever, it may be difficult to find them out ; and if 
they are found out, that Lady, who is the heir of line, 
may be in a great measure cut off*.'^ 

" Edinburgh, oth May 1744. 

" I see by a letter from Sir WilHam Dunbar of 
Hemprigs to Baillie George Dunbar, merchant here, 
that he hath found among Westfields papers a dispo- 
sition of his estate in favours of Sir William's Lady, 
daughter to Alexander Dunbar of Westfield, which 
will prevent disputes about the succession." 



XV. TEANSPOET OF A PEISONEE, AND JAIL 

OF INVEENESS. 

Country people, such as farmers and their servants, 
had to act as guards in the transport of prisoners. 
The unhappy woman was accused of child-murder : — 

" A Hst of the guard for conveying the person of 
Jean Mill from the Tolbooth of Elgin to Nairn, to be 
delivered over to the Sheriff of Nairn there, in terms 
of the principall warrand from the Lords of Justiciary 
herewith sent :■ — 

" Alexr. M'Kimmie, in Overtown, g. 
John Allan there, coh. 
George Ogilvie in Houme, g. 
John Cook in Barnhill, g. 
5 Thomas Murdoch in Westhill, g. 
Alexr. Murdoch in Achthiyre, ah. 
Duncan Grant in Green of Manbean, g. 
Alexr. Grant in Coxtown, g. 
James Gallan in Insharnach, g. 
1 Andrew Couban in Mostowie, g. 
George Kynnoch in Inerlochty, g. 
John Allan in Mostowie, g. 
William Murdoch in Crossley, g. 
James Brander, elder in Lliltown, g. 



88 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 

1 5 James Brander, younger there, g. 

George Imlach there, or Ms servant, g. 

James Sim in Miltown, g. 

Alexr. Gilzean in Inverlochty, g. 

John Skeen, there, g. 
20 John Eobb, there, g. 

James Douglas, there, or a servant, g. 

Alexander Glass in the Coledge of Elgin, g, 

" These are warranting Alexander Pitriken, officer, 
to summond the above persons to compear before the 
Shirriff of Murray, his deputes or substitutes, within 
the Tolbooth of Elgin, upon Thursday next, the 
twenty-fifth of Aprile instant, at nine o'clock in the 
morning, to carry and convey the person of Jean 
Miln, presently prisoner in the Tolbooth of Elgin, 
from the said Tolbooth to the town of Nairn, to be 
delivered to the Shirriff of the shire of Nairn, and 
from thence to be carried by a party from the said 
shire to the Shirriff of Inverness, to be incarcerated 
within the Tolbooth of Inverness untill the tryall of 
the said Jean Miln before the Lords Commissioners of 
Justiciary at their Circuit, the first of May next, con- 
forme to the warrand directed to me, Shirriff-Depute 
of this shire of Elgin and fforres : And I hereby 
nominate and apoint the said John Grant to be Cap- 
tain of this Guard, and each person to appear, under 
the penalty of tAventy punds Scots money. Given at 
Elgin the twenty- third day of Aprile 1745 years. 

" Will. King." 



SOCIAL LIFE m FORMER DAYS. 89 

"Elgin, 25 Aprile 1745. — The Sheriff -Depute fines 
and amerciates John Allan and Alexander Murdoch, 
two absents, marked in the within list, in the sum 
contained in the within warrant, each of them payable 
to the ffiscal of Court. 

" Will. King." 

" Nairn, 2Qth Aiorile 1745. — Then received by me, 
Sherriff Deput of Nairn Shire, the person of therein 
named Jean Mill, in order to be transported to Inver- 
ness, as the Lords' warrand under mentioned directs, 
together with the said Act and warrand it self, and 
that from Alexander Grant, Captain, appointed by the 
Sheriff of Elgin and fforres, for commanding the party 
that brought her, the said Jean Mill, here. 

" Da. Cumyng.'^ 



The Court-house and the " holes'' in which pri- 
soners were incarcerated at Inverness, were truly dis- 
graceful : — 

" Inverness, \1th March, 1786. 

" Memorial for the Provost, Magistrates, and Town 
Council of Inverness, for themselves and the 
community, to the Heritors and Commissioners 
of Supply, and Magistrates of Burghs, in the 
Counties of Inverness, Ross, Moray, Sutherland, 



90 SOCIAL LIFE IN FOEMER DAYS. 

Caithness, Nairn, Cromarty, Orkney, and Zet- 
land : 

" Sheweth, 

" That the Oircuit Court of. Justiciary for the 
northern district, comprehending the above-mentioned 
counties, has been invariably held at Inverness. 

" That the present court-house, which is very 
antient, having been built only for the town and 
county, is very inadequate to the proper accommoda- 
tion of the Lords of Justiciary and other members of 
the court, the sheriffs, and the number of gentlemen 
who are called upon to attend as assizers. 

" That the jail, which is adjoining to the court- 
house, consists only of two small cells for criminals, 
and one miserable room for civil debtors, and is often 
so crowded with prisoners from the different counties 
as to render their situation truly deplorable ; to give 
some idea of which it is only necessary to mention 
that there are at present, and generally, about thirty 
persons confined in these holes, none of which is above 
thirteen feet square. 

" That the court-house and jail are now so much 
decayed as to render it necessary immediately to 
repair or rebuild them. 

" That the memorialists have long anxiously wished 
to rebuild them on an enlarged plan, so as to afford 
ample accommodation for the Circuit Court, and to 



!i 



SOCEAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 91 

soften the rigour of confinement to unfortunate pri- 
soners, by removing the necessity of having them so 
crowded together as they are at present. 

" That with this view they have lately purchased, 
at a considerable expense, a piece of ground, adjoin- 
ing to the present jail, fully equal to the purpose, 
and have procured a proper plan and estimates to 
be made. 

" That the sum necessary for carrying their plan 
into execution will be about fifteen hundred pounds 
sterling, which they are utterly unable to advance 
from the funds of the community over which they 
preside, and must, of course, abandon the idea, unless 
liberally assisted by the different counties and burghs 
connected with the Northern Circuit, and who are so 
very materially interested in promoting this necessary 
work. 

" The memorialists, therefore, relying on the public 
spirit, generosity, and humanity of the gentlemen of 
the northern counties and burghs, do now call upon 
them for liberal aid towards erecting a Court-house, 
in which their accommodation as assizers will be a 
principal object, and providing for such criminals as 
they may send for trial : a prison decent and secure 
will be particularly attended to. 

" The memorialists, while soliciting the assistance 
of others, think it incumbent on them to declare the 
extent to which they will go for carrying this useful 



92 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMEE DAYS. 

work into execution, and they have resolved on Jive 
hundred pounds sterling, being a sum equal to the 
utmost stretch of their ability as a community. If, 
then, contrary to their hopes, the present application 
should fail of success, they claim that the want of 
accommodation in their Court-house, or smallness of 
their jail, may never be charged against them in 
future. 

" Signed by appointment of the Magistrates and 
Council, 

" William Macintosh, ProvosC 



XVI. COUNTEY MATTEES. 

Befoee the general introduction of coal into Moray, 
so necessary was a supply of peat, that it almost in- 
variably formed an item in the rent of farms. 

" nth July, 1732. 

" Wee, John Watson, William Gilzean, and John 
Laing, all tennents in Ardgy, do hereby certify and 
declare that sixty loads of peats or therby (when filled 
by our own servants, and lede by our own horses), 
was usually applyed for makeing up a leet of peats, 
fourteen foots square, carried up seven foots high, and 
rooffed in to fourteen foot from top to bottom ; and, 
accordingly, wee the declarants, and the other tennents 
of Ardgy, were in use to cast, winn, lead, and stack, 
for behoof of the heretors of the lands and barronie 
of Duffus, upon their and our proper charges and 
expences, certain leets of peats, conform to our re- 
spectif possessions at the dimentions above-writen, 
and that yearly ; and failzieing of the saids peats, we 
paid ten pounds Scots money for each leet. 

'' I. W. 

William Gilzean. 

John Laing." 



94 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 

From Sir Harie Innes, Convener of the County : — 

" To xIrchibald Dunbar, Esq., 

" of Newton, at Duifus. 

"Elgin, Fehrij. 2\st, 1747. 

" Sir, — Provost DufF wrote me this morning com- 
plaining of the distress the inhabitants of this town, 
and military, are reduced to for want of peats being 
brought to town : that the soldiers must be supplied 
some how or other is without doubt, and to do with- 
out ground of complaint there is a necessity of a 
meeting of the Justices of Peace. I wrote Sir Eobert 
Gordon to this purpose, and if Monday will suit both 
your conveniences, you will be expected that day to 
concert what is proper to be done. I am. Sir, your 
most humble servant, Harie Innes." 



Many estates, and even royal burghs, were, to a 
recent date, 'Hhirled'^ to particular mills, — that is, 
the tenants and inhabitants were obliged to send 
their grain to the established mill of the barony or 
burgh, to be ground, and to pay a proportion of it 
as ^' multure." The town of Elgin was " thirled" to 
" Oldmilns," which had formerly belonged to the 
Prior of Pluscardine. Greyfriars was the seat of 
Mr. King of Newmiln ; it is now within the Parlia- 
mentary bounds of Elgin. 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 95 

" Archbald Dunbar, Esquire, 

" of Newtoun, Duffus. 

" Grayffriars, near Elgin, 30 Decer. 1736. 

" Sir, — I liad your's this day, mquireing me anent 
what multure I payed att Oldmilns. ffor answer, 
know that I am not thirled to that miln, or doe I 
live, or have I any land within the thirlage ; but 
being informed that they ground wheat better att the 
Oldmilns than att my own miln, I sent my servant, 
the last year, with two boles of wheat to the Old- 
milns, and after he returned I asked him what multure 
they had taken from him. He told me a peck out of 
each bole, and that they would take noe less, although 
he scrupled the giveing it. And when John Naughtie, 
one of the millers, came asking me ten shileing Scots 
for each bole of the wheat I had ground att the Old- 
milns, as the millers wages, which I payed him, and 
quarrelled him for taking so much multure, and so 
much money from me that was out sucken, and noe 
wayes bound to them, he told me they made noe dis- 
tinction, but tooke the same multure from evrie one 
that came to them whither out or insucken ; upon 
which I told him that I should take care of ever grind- 
ino; afterwards att their miln — which is all I know of 
their multures, and am yours W. King." 



Just as poultry now belongs to the lady's depart- 
ment in the management of a country house, so in 



96 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 

former days did the breeding and rearing of young 
horses. Honi soit qui mat y pense. 

" To Arceiibald Dunbak, 

" of Newton, Esquire, at DufFes. 

" Arndilly, 17 th June 1756, 

" Dear Sir, — You may think I have been ungrate, 
as I have not thanked you before this time, for the 
use of your fine stalion to one of my chaise mares 
last year, and that you was at so great trouble as to 
keep the mare and servant for some days. That 
mare has this year a pretty stood fole from your 
horse. I cannot at present tell how I can return so 
great a favour, but when it falls in my husband^s 
power or mine, our inclination is great, and the im- 
plopng us will be a compliment. I would gladly 
have a pair of horses from your fine horse, therefore 
I have ventured to send my other mare to be served 
by him, if you will be so good as to grant me this 
second favour. My husband is pretty much reco- 
vered. I am heartily sorry I did not see the young 
gentlemen as they went to Edinburgh. My husband 
and I present you. Lady Newtown, and all the young 
family with our deutie, and intreats you will allow me 
the honour to be, dear Sir, your most affectionate 
cousin and obedient humble servant, 

" Jean Grantt.'' 

'' P,S. — We was made happy by Mr. Cohan's in- 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAY8. 97 

formation that your lady designs to see us at Arndilly 
this summer. Tam intends you a visite, in a week or 
two, that she may deliver the Cairngorm stone she 
promised/' 



The wages of servants, as given in a document dated 

1760. 

" Eegulations of Fees for Servants in the county of 
Bamif :— 

£ .s. d 
That the best man servant who drags the ware, 

and is capable to big and sow corns, shall have 27 

That the second man servant who fills the side 
of the ware horse, threshes the side of the barn, 
lays on loads, and is a good hook in harvest, 
shall have 25 

That the third man who likewise fills the ware 
horse, is capable to thresh the side of the barn, 
and can shear in harvest, shall have . . 20 

That the first best man servant where there are 
no waring, who can big the corns, and hold 
the plough, shall have . . . . . 23 

That the second man servant who works the 

horse, and holds the horse plough, shall have . 19 4 

That the third man servant who drives the 
plough, shears in hervest, and threshes in the 
barn, shall have . . . ' . . .13 6 8 

That the best woman servant who can beke, 

brew, and miln, shall have . . . .12 

That the second woman servant who is capable 
to shear in hervest, but otherwise not so cap - 
able, shall have 10 



16 10 


4 


6 





5 





4 10 






98 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 

That the best man hook who can big and bind 
corns, shall have ...... 

That the second sort of men hooks shall have 
That the best woma.n hook, who stays out the 
harvest, shall have ..... 

That the second sort of woman hooks shall have 
That hirds according to their charge shall have 
from £6 to £1, 10s. every half-year. 



"And which respective fees are declared to be in 
satisfaction to men and women servants, of aU that 
can be asked or given to them for their year's services 
above inscribed, in name of fees, shoes, or any other 
bounties whatever ; and where the master gives, or 
where the servant receives, any higher or greater fees, 
under any pretence whatsoever, such feeing shall not 
only be void, but the master and servant who shall 
contraveen the premesses be fined therefor." 



The moral Grieve got, when at Kilcoy, "^ve 
pounds in money, twenty shillings for shoes, eight 
bolls of meal, and a cow's grass annually : " — 

" Wee, the Justices of the Peace hereto subscribing, 
do certify and declare, that the bearer hereof, George 
Calder, from the county of Aberdeen, served Lady 
Kilcowie in station of a grieve, behaved himself hon- 
estly and moraly for the course of ffive years in her 



t 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMEK DAYS. , 99 

service, and may be received into any Christian society ; 
and the same is attested by us, two of the Justices of 
Peace of the county of Eoss, and united parishes of 
Suddie and Kilmuir Wester, where the said George 
Calder resided for the time above mentioned. At 
Allangrange, this 1st of June 1767, 

" EoD. Mackenzie, J.P. 
Geo. Mackenzie, J.P" 



The certificate by the Minister of Langbryde is of 
recent date, but too amusing to be omitted : — 

" To aU his Majesty's loving subjects who can feel 
for a feUow-sinner in distress, I beg to certify that 

the bearer, W. J , is the son of my old bellman, a 

man well known in this neighbourhood for his honest 
poverty and excessive sloth, and the son has inherited 
a full share of the father's poverty and a double por- 
tion of his indolence. I cannot say that the bearer 
has many active virtues to boast of; but he is not 
altogether unmindful of scriptural injunctions, having 
striven, and with no small success, to 'replenisli the 
earth,' though he has done but little to subdue the 
same. It was his misfortune to lose his cow lately, 
from too little care and too much berc chaff; and that 
walkino; skeleton, which he calls his 'horse,' liaving 



100 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMEE DAYS. 

ceased to 'tear the oppressor's voice, or dread the 
tyrants load,' the poor man has now no means of 
repairing his loss but the skins of the defunct and the 
generosity of a benevolent pubHc, whom he expects 
to be stimulated to greater liberality by this testi- 
monial from- theirs, with respect, &c., 

" Will. Leslie." 



I 



XVII. EDINBUEGH GOSSIP. 



John Sutherland was the Edinburgh agent of the 
gentleman to whom he wrote :— 



" Archibald Dunbar, Esqr., of Newton, 
'• at Duffus. 

"Edinburgh, Id Fehy. 1749. 

" Dear Sir, — I hope you receive your news papers 
safe. Eeceive enclosed this weeks three Mercuries. 

" There is nothing here new, only a very comical 
piece of humour, said to be done by the Duke of Mon- 
tague. It was advertised in London that a man was 
to go into a chopin bottle and there play on the fiddle ! 
— a curious piece of necromancy, you will say ; but lo ! 
when a numerous cloud of spectators are convened, at 
half-a-crown each ticket, a man appears on the stage, 
and, addressing himself to the audience, says, ' If you 
will but double the above sum, the man will appear 
in a pint (that is a mutchkin) bottle ; ' upon which 
they discovered the trick : among the rest the Duke 
of Cumberland, who in a furious passion drew his 
sword, which was presented by the Queen of Hungary, 



102 SOCIAL LIFE IN FOEMER DAYS. 

valued at ten thousand pounds, and Montague alone 
took tlie deceiver's part, but yet he was not able to 
withstand the fury of the spectators, who were now 
turned actors, and they tore and broke everything in 
the house and set fire to it. During the squabble the 
Duke's sword was thwarted out of his hand, and he, 
thinking it to be some of his friends, did not mind it 
during the fray, but upon enquiry for the sword it 
was gone, and now one hundred pounds premium is 
offered for restoring it. 

'' A few nights after, the same man is alleged to 
have, at a masquerade, employed another to go through 
the masquerade with a sheath and sword, and call, in 
a hurry, near where the Duke was, ' A fine sword ; a 
fine sword; who lost a fine sword?' The Duke, 
comming in a surprise to look at it, said, ' It was the 
Duke,' meaning himself, and upon looking at it, it was 
found to be a piece of stick in a white paper sheath. 
I wish you would be so friendly as to signify if such 
collections be troublesome or agreeable to you, and I 
shall continue or desist, as you please. I am, dear 
Sir, your much obliged and obedient servant, 

"John Sutheeland." 



Such collections being " agreeable," Mr. Sutherland 
was requested to continue them. We give extracts : — 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 103 

" 2Zd Fehy. 1749. — We are here in a great hubbub 
about setthng the poors'-rates. The Merchant Com- 
pany have agreed to pay seven per cent., and the 
Faculty of Advocates have refused to assess them- 
selves with anjrthing, after a long debate, when it 
carried. No — seventy-two against five.'' 

''20th Aprile 1749. — You will observe a letter in 
this day's paper anent a ploy which was occasioned by 
about thirty or forty officers jumping on the stage, 
when in the last part of the act King Henry says, 
' Hence, let rebellion be for ever quashed.' Upon this 
one of the officers called to the fiddlers to play ' Cul- 
loden Eeel,' and then the gallery people hissed, and 
threw potatoes, &c., at them, which is to let you into 
the rise of that stir." 

" 1st June 1756. — The Edinburgh Banks have sent 
some of their directors with twenty-five thousand 
pounds of Glasgow notes to get specie for them, which 
may crack some of them." 

''IZth March 1759.— The Duke and Dutchess of 
Douglass are, alas ! parted, through faults on both 
sides, as is all edged. Two very handsome fellows 
were this day found guilty of a robbery, and will pro- 
bably string, and the only defence their councill urged, 
it were better send them to Martinico or Guardulope 
than to the gallows." 

" ^th October 1759. — George Baillie, your cousine, 
married 29th September last, and from superabund- 



104 SOCIAL LIFE IX FORMER DAYS. 

ance of complaisance set out next day with another 
lady for this place, where he presently is, and I had 
the pleasure of saluting him on the happy event this 
day." 

" Ibth Octr. 1759. — I congratulate you upon the 
reduction of Quebeck, and consequently the empire of 
North America ; but amidst our joy we are enjoined 
prudence and caution, for it is certain Thurot is sailed, 
and the Solebay Man of War says he sailed through 
his fleet (under French colors), consisting of six war 
ships and twelve transports, and Admiral Boyes with 
eleven ships in quest of him, steering northwards, 
either to the Murray (where I pray God Thurot may 
never come) or Pentland firths. This afternoon Boyes 
is anchored in Leith road, drove up by a nore-east 
gale, and, so soon as the wind permits, and he pro- 
vided with a little provisions and pilots, is to proceed 
on towards the north. We have expresses from Eng- 
land, two or three a day, and it is rumoured the Brest 
fleet is out. May Hawk fly and catch him/' 

"2c/ July 1760.— By this night's news Mineer 
Dutchman seems to try us in that country ; but, in 
the true sense of the word, they ' catched a Tartar,' 
for their seven ships of war are all taken, six hundred 
of twelve hundred are killed, the rest prisoners, and 
the Governor of Batavia, who sent them, acknowledges 
his fault, and pays, beside begging pardon, a hundred 
and twenty thousand pounds." 



XVIII. LETTEES FEOM LADIES OF EANK. 

IsoBELL, Countess of Seaforth, widow of Kenneth, 
third Earl, Avas daughter of Sir John Mackenzie of 
Tarbat, and sister of George, first Earl of Cromarty. 
Her Ladyship's daughter, Margaret, married James, 
second Lord Duffus, who, having killed William Eoss 
of Little Kindeace in the year 1688, fled to Eng- 
land, where he remained until influential friends pur- 
chased a remission from the Crown. The writing of 
the Countess is large and well formed ; that of Lady 
Duflus is very inferior. 

" For my Lord Duffus 
'^ They : 

" Chanori, 8 Ajyryll 1688. 

" My dear Duffus, — We are mightily afrayed of 
your health, and has sent this expres to conjure you 
to be cairfuU of yourself. As for what is done. Lord 
pardon you the sin of it ; but no man thinks ye could 
have done less, or that ye could have born with what 
ye met with. I pray you have a cair of yourself, and 
goe on to doe your business, and let us know wher or 



106 SOCIAL LIFE IN FOEMER DAYS. 

to whom we shal derect your leters whil ye are at 
Court ; I tHnk to my Keny/ when ye are at London. 
Ye may writ to Megg with every ocation, to give her 
asurance of your health, which she will still be doubt- 
ing. We all think, and Siddy,^ who has better skill in 
such afairs, that after al the provocations ye met with, 
yet that it was in your own defence what ye did, for 
certinly ye had been killed if it had not fallen out as 
it did ; so your busines will not cost you much trubel 
to get it don. Be cairfull of yourself for Megg's caws 
and the babys. Many a man has falen in such ane 
accedent warse than your circumstances was, yet has 
bein at peace with God and all the world, and lived 
very happily for all that. The Lord's peace be with 
you, and derect you and preserve you from all ill. — I 
am your affectionat mother, 

" ISOBELL SeAFORT." 



" Chanori, the ISth of Apraill 1688. 

" Dearest Hert, — I can slip no ocation but I most 
wrait you, knowing you will be earnest ahvays to hear 
how I am, which, I blis the Lord for it, is very well, 
and so is all your childrin and all frinds heare ; and 
now it is my greatest trubill the fear of your wTong- 
ing your own helth, which I hop you will considir 
how much it wdll ofend God, and what a gref it will 

1 Her son Kennetli, foiu-th Earl. _^ - Mackenzie of Suddy. 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 107 

be to me, so I expek to hear good neuse from you, 
and writ to me ase oft as you have ocation. No mor 
at the taim, but that the Lord may bhs you, and direk 
you and protek you, is the earnest prayer of your own 
till death. M. Duffus. 

" My Lady presents hir respecs to you." 



Henrietta Duchess of Gordon, wife of the second 
Duke, was a daughter of the celebrated Earl of Peter- 
borough. Her Grace had sufficient influence to induce 
the ducal family to renounce Popery and embrace the 
Protestant faith. The writing of the Duchess is par- 
ticularly good and distinct. The lady to whom her 
Grace sent the following letters was then unmarried. 
She was daughter of the deceased Alexander Dunbar 
of Westfield, and she resided with her maternal uncle, 
Sir Thomas Calder of Muirton, Baronet : — 

" To Mrs. Elizabeth Dunbar at Muirton. 

" Gordon Castle, August the 20th, 1722. 

*' My deare Freind, — It being now just ten days 
since I had the pleasure of hearing from you, which to 
me is a tedious age, I send the bearer on purpose to 
bring me acounts of your health, and of all I have 
a consern for with you ; and I send you and Lady 
Muirton sum of the flowered painted satin which you 
commended in the winter, having had an occasion to 



108 SOCIAL LIFE IX FORMER DAYS. 

Holland. I belive the thirty yards will make each a 
night gownd, and the tea is, I belive, a litle l)etter 
than the ordinary that is sold ; the imperiale will doe 
well to mix with the green. You will, I hope, forgive 
me this libertie I take in hopeing you will, without 
any uneasiness, except from your freind such a trifle, 
since I hope you are truly convinced that nothing can 
be so agreable to me as the hopes I have of enjoying 
the vast satisfaction in the most entire freindshipp 
that is possible for two hearts so sincere and so 
simpathising as, I belive and hope, ours are. 

*' This is all the July flowers that are as yet blown, 
and the very first, which I belive are the best ; but if 
Lady Muirton wants more, next week she may have 
as many as she pleases. 

'' I have also sent two more trajedies. There is 
two lady^s and one man's character in the ' Imperial 
Captives,* that I belive will please you ; and also I am 
sure the oddness of the lives of the misfortunate paire 
in this litle book will move your pity, as it did mine. 
It is a strange mixture of prodigeous love and penitence 
for a fault, where the strugie of our frail nature, and 
the glimerings of divine grace, apear in a very naturale 
manner ; and though it is not quite so well as in the 
French, yet, if you have not abeady seen it, you cannot 
but be entertained with it, for it is a litle out of the 
common method of our days, where vice hardly makes 
sutch a penitent end. I hope it will not be many days 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 109 

before I have the pleasure of seeing you ; and belive 
me, where ever I am, my kindest thoughts will ever 
be with you, and I shall never be so well pleased as 
Avhen I enjoy the charming company of my dearest 
freind, from whoes and your aunt's aquaintance I shall 
ever begin the date of my satisfaction and happyness 
in this country. 

" Wishing you all the prosperity that this world 
can aford, I continue with the greatest esteem, my 
dearest, your most faithfuU and most affectionate 
freind and sarvant, H. Gordon. 

" Just now I hear Generale Sabin and the Earle of 
Kothes are gone back to the south, so that as soon as 
my Lord returns from Badenoch, I hope to see you. 
My kind sarvice to Lady Muirton and Sir Thomas., 
Henri and Betsy offer ther kind sarvice to you all." 



" Gordon Castle, Octbr. 9th. 

" My dearest Freind, ... I am glad the Art of 
Love pleases you ; I thought it very prety, and did 
not imagine a subject of that nature could have been 
quite so modestly expressed as to be of so good use to 
us ladys as it realy is. You may keep any book of 
mine that is in your hands as long as you please, and 
be asured nothing will ever be more agreable to me 
than to have any oportunity to contribute, any manner 



110 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 

of ways, to your fellicity and pleasure. I have a good 
many late editions, with sum additions, of sum books 
that may please you, particularly sum translated out of 
the French, which I sent for on purpose for you ; but 
I belive, with what you have already, and the time 
you are so justly to employ in the care of your good 
aunt, you will want no more, till we have the pleasure 
and happyness to meet here, and then you shaU chuce 
what ever pleasses you best. Since I knew you I can- 
not find the way to make my houres fly but in your 
charming dear companey, although you are always 
present in my kindest thoughts, which makes up the 
most agreable time of, my dearest, your most faithfuU 
and ever afifectionate freind and sarvant, 

" H. Gordon. 

" My most kind sarvice to all at Muirton. I shall 
shortly answer Sir Thomas's letter." 



" GrOicDO^ Cas.T'le, fryday noon. 

"My dearest Freind,— This morning I had the 
favour of your oblidgeing letter by which I was very 
sorry to hear of good Lady Muirton's loss. My two 
godchildren have had such badd luck that I can 
scars expect Lady Muirton will venture to make 
choice of me for a third, but if she does me that 
favour, I hope I shall have better fortune, since none 
can be better pleased to have any opportunity of 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. Ill 

doeing her any kind of sarvice. I was once fearing Sir 
Thomas's absence would oblidge Lady Muirton to goe 
and oversee the hering feshing, and so our camming 
on Teusday might be unseasonable ; but now since you 
expect him so soon, I hope nothiug will happen to me 
to deprive me of that pleasure which I long very much 
for. As to the mariages talked of, I belive this day, 
by Sir Thomas or Walter Hamilton, we shall know if 
there is any truth in them. I saw lately two letters 
from Brodie, since his return from Berwick, wherein 
he says his jorney there was only to make a visit to 
the Earle of Deloraine, but tells they had him at Edin- 
burgh maried one week to Mrs. Stuart of Camila, and 
the next, to Mrs. Slye, but adds that he was then 
confined to his chamber, his eye being almost as badd 
as when at London, and the same kind of operations 
to be again made, except the boreing his nose ; so I 
fear it will be yet a time before he enter the state of 
matrimony. By what he says of Sir Robert Gordon, 
it looks very probable his affair may succeed since it 
apears he is in earnest, but how farr the lady's father 
may be engaged will take a litle time to know, for it 
is possible there may in time be a very great fortune, 
if Innernighty make his peace. I hear nothing of Sir 
Hary's progress, but we are every minute expecting 
to see Sir Thomas, who will tell us all the news. 

" By all those who pretend to skill, I hear the 
herring fishing has all apearance of being very good. 



112 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 

which I most heartily wish for the good of all con- 
cerned, but more particularly for my freind Sir 
Thomas. When that affair is over, I hope you will all 
be at leisure to cum here for sum days, which will 
be a very great pleasure to me, who always am, with 
utmost esteem, my dearest, your most faithful! and 
most affectionate freind and sarvant, 

" H. Gordon. 

" All here make their compliments to you and Lady 
Muirton." 



'' March 28th. 

"My dearest Freind, — It is impossible for you to 
imagine how very great my disapointment was on 
Tuesday night, when I had with so much pleasure 
expected to hear from my dear friend, and found 
myself balked, the cause of which I could not com- 
prehend, and in my heart I can never suspect you 
of the very smallest neglect or unkindness to any, 
but specialy to one who, next my own, will ever 
love and value you above all things in the world ; 
so after passing some anxious hours, my Lord in the 
morning sent my charming freind's letter to me, which 
he had forgot, which gave me unspeakable pleasure, 
and I shall promise you hereafter never to trouble you 
again with any excuse of any kind ; but I truly was so 
hurried and balled upon by my Lord, to see a dyeing 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 113 

gentleman, that I reaiy fancy I writte nonsense, but 
kind nonsense I hope it ay as. 

" You AYill now, I belive, my dearest, be very agre- 
ably surprized to hear from Lady Muirton the parti- 
culars of a treaty of peace, formarly proposed sum 
houres after we parted with Sir Thomas on Sunday 
last, which was happyly concluded last night. I term 
it my forth wedding night, and am hopefull it will be 
the last I shall ever haYe. As there are many good 
things, I hope, may attend this reconcilement, there is 
none, I asure you, more agreable to me than two per- 
sons being united who, I am sure, wish you as well as 
it is possible ; for my part, ther is no pleasure to me 
that surpasses what I enjoy in the very hopes of 
being sum time in a possibility of doeing you the 
least sarvice- — judge you then, my dearest, what 
would be the effects if my wishes could turn to a 
reality. 

'' I have just dune Avith these two Yollumes of 
no veils. You will, I asure you, find the most of them 
very prety, and as I fancy you will not have mutch 
time to spare that way before Easter, I shall only 
disier you to read, till that is over. The Force of 
Freindshipp, which I am sure you Avill like. I read 
Avith great pleasure all I can com at upon that sub- 
ject, that I may knoAv if any surpasses me in the 
notions I hai^e of that happy state I am s(~) deeply 
engaged in Avith you, Avithout which I always must 

H 



114 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 

think life a oreat burden. The next I would recomend 
to your reading is The Princess of Cleaves, which you 
will be charmed with, and where there is admirable 
examples for all the maried ladys who live in the 
temptations of this corrupted age. The heroine of 
this novell goes through all the strugles, and I think 
more, than ever Heloise did, and made not the least 
fallen stepp ; and her husband's is also a most ad- 
mirable charactar. The next that should follow should 
be Don Carlos, it being a part of the histor3^s of 
France and Spain of the same ages. When you have 
had the pleasure of reading these, I think you will 
have a mind to begin and read them in course. The 
first is very prety, but there being many adventures, 
perhapps you would think it a htle tedious at the first, 
so I have recomended those I fancy will please your 
tast, and be a litle diverting, which is what I belive all 
of uss, in this part of the world, want at times ; but I 
asure you, as odd as a good part of my life has been 
since I came to this contrey, I never thought the 
time apeared tedious to me till I had the happyness 
of your acquaintance, and the charming satisfaction of 
enjoying so dear a freindshipp. But judge how it is 
possible in nature to be content with so very litle of 
what one loves so very much, but as providence has, 
no doubt for sum wise and nessesary end, alloted to 
me a life of mortifications, so belive me this last is a 
most sensible one ; but I must still live in hopes the 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FOKMER DAYS. 115 

time will shortly come when we may with more ease 
and fredom enjoy the pleasures that must flow from 
so entii'e a freindshipp, which will be, my dearest, a 
happyness beyond expresstion to your most affec- 
tionate and ever faithfull freind and humble sarvant, 

" H. GOEDON." 



" Gordon Castle, September Isf. 

"My dearest Friend, — You will easily belive how 
sensibly 1 regret any thing that prevents our meeting, 
which I find is put off, I believe, to this day fortnight, 
if you can at that time part with Lady Muirton for 
a litle start, or else it must be sooner, but Lady Thun- 
derton will be pleased to hear a sermon, and her peats 
and harvest will be prety well over by that time. By 
her servant, the bearer of this, I send the King of 
Sweden's picture frame, and a litle box with two 
fidleing new fashioned tipits and a faun, which I hope 
you will doe me the favour to except. 1 have sent 
Mrs. Elizabeth Dunbar of Duffus a faun a litle more 
gaudy, but I like the Godess Diana best, so sent it to 
you : had you been here, you should have chose your- 
self You know, my dearest, what must always please 
me best, when you are absent from the person ^^'ho 
loves and values as I doe, so be kind and fail not to 
lett me hear from you, as often as it is not troublesum 
to you. I also think Lady Muirton, if she lias occa 



116 SOCIAL LIFE m FORMER DAYS. 

stion to writte, must use the freclom to make use of 
you for her secretary ; for it is not convenient she 
doe any thing now that is the least trouble to her. I 
fancy, before now, you have heard the comicall adven- 
ture that had like to have happened to us, a litle after 
I parted from you, occastioned by Captain Gumming 
haveing made Ned drink at King Edward : ^ he came 
home in the chaise with Arundele in it, to hold him, 
and his soun to drive, and we ride home in the dark 
at great leasure, but, thank God, no accident hap- 
pened ; but when you come here you will laughf at a 
more particular acount, since I was very Kke to have 
had my lodgeing in the fine green place that night. 
My dearest, you must know with what kindness and 
tenderness I shall always think of you and look upon 
your picture : till we meet next I fear I shall not, with 
my will, part with it, till I get Mr. Alexander to draw 
an other. I continue, as long as life, my dear, your 
most faithfull and ever affectionate freind and sarvant, 

" H. Gordon. 

" My kind sarvice to Sir Thomas. All here send 
there complements to you all at Muirton." 



Miss Anne Stuart, niece of Charles, fifth Earl of 
Moray, dates her letters from Dunibristle, Fileshire. 

^ Now called Kinnedar. 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 117 

8he was probably daughter of Francis, who succeeded, 
as sixth Earl, on the death of his brother Charles. 
Lady Anne Stuart, daughter of the sixth Earl, married 
Stewart of Blairhall, so, on our hypothesis, the lady 
did not change her name, — a subject on which she 
had expressed doubts when writing to her friend. 

" To Mrs. Dunbar, at Muirton : 

" To the care of the Postmaster of Forres. 

" DuNiBP.iSTLE, Jan. 28, 1723. 

" My dear Spouse, — You needed not have given 
me half so many reasons for your long silence, for I 
was perswaded it was not forgetfullness in you, but 
some cause which I waited with impatience to know, 
and I am so rejoiced when I get a letter from you, 
that it takes all thoughts away of accuseing you of un- 
kindness. My Lord has had a fit of the gout, and is 
not perfictly recovered yet. I hear nothing of our 
going north this summer, which I am very sorry for. 
Duke Hamilton is to be married the 6 th of February, 
it being Lady Anne Cochran's birthday ; she is to be 
married in white velvet trimed with silver. I hear 
Bracco is going to be married to Lady Mary Mont- 
gomery, but some say he is going to London. Earle 
Kothes, it is said, is to marry Lady Isabella Scot, and 
is to get thirty thousand pounds sterling with her : I 
wish it may be true, for he wants the money and 
very well deserves it. Lord Deskford's marriage witli 



118 SOCIAL LIFE IX FORMER DAYS. 

Drummelier s daughter is still talked of. They have 
got an assemble}' at Edinburgh, where every Thursday 
they meet and dance from four o'clock to eleven at 
night ; it is half a crown the ticket, and whatever tea, 
coffee, chocalate, biscuit, &c., they call for, they must 
pay as the managers direct ; and they are the Countess 
of Panmure, Lady Newhall, the President's Lady, and 
the Lady Drummelier. The ministers are preaching 
against it, and say it will be another horn order : it is 
an assembley for dancing only. Lord Crighton gave 
a ball lately, where there was a vast many ladys — 
Peggie Bell was queen. My fingers are so cold that 
I cannot hold the pen, as you may see by my write ; 
so I add no more but that I am, my dear spouse, 
your most faithfull affectionate humble servant, 

" Anne Stuart. 

''My mother gives her humble service to my Lady 
Calder. I do the same to all friends at Muirtoun, 
especially Jamie, my young lover." 



" DuxiBRisTLE, May 1, 1723. 

"My dear Spouse, — I doubt not but by this time 
you think me very much to blame that has not 
answered the kind and oblidging letter you write to 
me about a moneth since, but I declaire solemnly I 
received it only a few days ago. It is, I believe, the 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 119 

carelessness of the post at Aberdeen that occasions 
our letters to be so long ere we get them. I reckon, 
my dear spouse, all the ladys in the north have got 
cocades of willow green for the rich laird : were I not 
in mourning for Earl Panmure, I would certainly give 
good example to those in our neighbourhood. This 
marriage will make me very cautious who I talk 
slightingly of, least they fall in my own lap, for you 
may remember I told you what past betwixt that 
young lady and I at Castle Grant. She did indeed 
use a good deal of freedom with his person, but I 
fancy London has given him a better air, together 
with the possesion of seven thousand pounds a year, 
which is a very genteel thing, and has a great deal of 
beauty in it. I suppose you have heard of the death 
of Earl Linlithgow, Countess of Errol, and Countess 
of Strathmore. Earl Panmure dyed of a plurasie, 
which is not ordinary for a man of his age — he was 
sixty -eight. The Duchess of Hamilton is with child, 
so is the Countess of Wigton. Lord Crichtoun is 
making his adresses to Lady Susan Hamilton, but the 
Duke does not seem to favour it. Lord Blantire is 
to be married to Lady Catherine Cochran. I am ex- 
treamly glad of the good agreement in the Duke of 
Gordons family,; I wish it may be always so. One 
would think a man could not wish greater happy- 
ness than he may find in that fine lady ; and the 
Duke, in conversation, seems very agreable, but, alais ! 



120 SOCIAL LIFE IN FOEMER DAYS. 

they don't see the charms that is in one another. My 
Lord and Lady Moray gives you their most kind ser- 
vice. Pray let me know what is become of Mrs. 
Cummin. Give my humble service to all friends at 
Muirtoun. I ever am, my dear spouse, your's most 
affectionately, Anne Stuart." 



" Jan. 10, 1725. 

" My dear Spouse, — Your kind letters are always 
most acceptable to me, but none was ever more so 
than the last, for I very much wanted such a cordial. 
My spirits were as low as you can immagin, which 
you will not be surprised at when I tell you my Lady 
Morray was so ill at the time, I knew not whether she 
would dye or live. I am sure you would pitty me on 
such occasions, did you know my anxiety, and I flatter 
myself you would sympathize w^ith me, not only out 
of regard to my Lady, but from friendship to myself. 
Blissed be God, she is now perfictly well, but she was 
for many weeks she did not stirr out of her room ; 
and I must do her the justice to say she never com- 
plains without reason, nor keeps her room longer than 
is absolutely necessary : her greatest fault is that she 
is not carefull enough of her self. There arises great 
vexations to me from my Lady's bad state of health. 
The long tract of years she has enjoyed without the 
lest indisposition, till within this little time, gives me 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 121 

tlie greatest fear when she takes this fitts of illness, 
and I were the most iingratefull creature on earth if 
my conscern for her were not prodigeously great, for 
she has been to me, from my cradle, liker a mother 
than ane uncle s wife ; and the fears of my being dis- 
apointed of my so much wishd for journey to the 
north is a vast affliction. I dare not let myself ex- 
pect that journey will hold unless my Lady's health 
were better established, though still my Lord talks of 
it as a thing certain. * You see, my dear, I tell you all 
my grievances, but I hope it will go no farther, for it 
is a subject I would write on to no mortal but your- 
self. x4ny news I have, I doubt not but you have 
heard before now, unless it be Mr. Hay Drummelier's 
marriage with my Lord Blantire's sister. The Master 
of Stormont and Lmernity's daughter are to be married 
this week ; so of four of five Anne Stuarts that were 
last winter in town, there remains but me, and I know 
not whither to be ashamed of being behind with those 
ladys, or proud of keeping memory of that name ; 
some say the latter, and that I ought to continue so 
to do, and not follow the example given me, but I am 
not as yet positive to follow that advice, and I believe 
you will think I should not be rash in my resolutions. 
I rekon you have got a particulare acount of Major 
Erskin's marriage, which was the most magnificent 
that has been in Edinbure^h of a ofreat while. The 
most remarkable of the bride's cloaths were a crimson 



122 SOCIAL LIFE IX FORMER DAYS. 

velvet smoke petecoat, trimed with a silver or gold 
arras (I have forgot which), and a cherry sattin hoop. 
She had three sute of cloaths, viz., a white sattin, a 
blue podesoy trimmed with scollopt open silver lace 
above the knee, and a green stuff with gold flower, all 
very pretty. At Lady Cristian Hamilton's marriage 
with Sir James Dahymple, they were all prodigeously 
fine : Lord Binny's cloaths were fine yellow cloath, 
richly laced Tx^ith open silver, which was, I think, a 
comical choice. Mr. Keith, Colonel Keith's son, and 
Mrs. Peggy Cunninghame have made a runaway mar- 
riage. I am affraid his fortune is not so good as she 
might have got. I have been longer in ^TOting to 
you than I designed, but I waited for Mr. Eussle's 
1)eing the bearer, because that was a surer way than 
the post. I heartily wish you, and all the good com- 
pany where you are, a happy new year, and am, my 
dear Spouse, most sincerely yours, 

" Anne Stuart." 



Mrs. Ann Dunbar was known as " Lady Dykeside." 
Her husband's father had sold Dykeside, in the parish 
of Birnie, but the family retained the designation. 

'' The Lady Thuxdertox, 

•■ att Duffus House. 

"FoRETSs, 17 Sept. 1745. 

" Madam, — I hope the tea came safe as ordered, 
tlu'ee pound bohea, one green. The rock indigo was 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 123 

all sold to a man in this town before I knew it was 
come home. There is no news in town. Now for 
trifels. Mrs. Carltown and I are very great already. 
It was a mistake when I wrote yon no new fashions ; 
she has severals, all of which I am to have the look- 
ing att, and patterns when next we meet. The morn- 
ing caps are worn extremely full in the border, and 
full behind. The hair and wiggs still curled. Lady 
Force's cap, last from Edinburgh, the flowered lawn, 
the very newest fashion att London. All plain silk 
night-gowns, worn with different coloured sattens 
sewed on the breast and sieves, almost like Miss 
Brodie's yallow gown, but not pucked. Velvet 
clokes, laced round with black lace, and made a little 
longer than they are here, and newer than capuhins. 
Lady Force, Miss Brody, Captain Gumming, and Mr. 
Sinclair was in this kirk Sunday. They called here, 
spent an hour agreeably, and all remembered you. 
The Lady is to be to visit Mrs. Carltown soon. I 
continue to be, with great regard, dear Madam, your 
Ladyship's most obedient humble servant, 

" Ann Dunbar." 



" To Miss Nelly Dunbar, 

" att Duifus House. 

" FoRRis, 25 December. 

•' My dear Miss, — I rejoice to hear you and all 
the family are well, and that you are happy in having 



124 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 

your brother with you this holydays. I long to see 
every one of you, and assure you, when I have not 
that pleasure, I often think of you. May every one 
of you be as happy as I wish you, and your Papa 
live to see itt. We shall drink all your health att 
eating the fine goose and pears you send ; in the 
mean time accept our thanks. Tell your papa that 
Miss Brodie is to be married, on New Year's day, to 
Maclod younger, whoe she seems really to be fond of, 
which surprises every body, as he is not the most 
charming person in the world, and, till folks saw with 
their own eyes, everybody supposed itt a match that 
had more of prudence than love. He is absolutely 
the ugliest chield I ever saw. They were in town in 
company with the Lyon, his lady. Sir William Dunbar, 
and all the Eoses, Miss Forbes, the Master of Forbes, 
Captain Gumming, Jack Sutherland, G-range, Birds- 
yards, his familie, Tannachie and his, Kinsteary and 
his, Captain Beekworth and his, and your humble 
servant, att a grand ball given by an officer here. 
Miss Brodie looked at her intended spous, not only 
with liking, but with rapture, which all the company 
observed, pleased to see her happy against their ex- 
pectations. Ask papa if he will even do us the favour 
to take a ride this lenth, and tell him none would 
be fonder to see him. Make offer of our joyned com- 
pliments to him and all the familie. Deliver the en- 
closed paper carefully to him, and return him thanks 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FOEMER DAYS. 125 

in Mr. Dunbar's name and mine for all his favours. 
Say we wish him, and every individual he has any 
concern with, a series of happy New Years, and be- 
Heve me to be, with the greatest affection, my dear 
Uttle Elfe, your most obedient humble servant, 

"Ann Dunbar." 



Margaret Countess of Moray, wife of James, seventh 
Earl, was daughter of the Earl of Wemyss, and sister 
of the Countess of Sutherland. 

" To Miss Dunbar, 

" at Mrs. Glase's, Edinburgh, 

" DuNiBKiSTLE, 21111 May 1763. 

" Dear Nelly, — You have been much more mind- 
full of my commissions than I have been, for which 1 
thank you, for I did not say a word to you by Lady 
Jane to-day, who is by this time in town ; but my 
woman Jenny will be in town this week, and then I 
shall rectifie all mistakes. In the meantime bespeak 
from Mrs. Fife as much of the green and purple as 
will trim a gown. She will know the usual quantity, 
but as I am of the broad and tall growth, she will 
make and send six yeards more than the comen 
quantity, with a dozen and a half or two dozen of 
tassels. 1 would not have any gimp in them, but 
just the green and purple silk mixed. Now the 
sooner this is done the better ; and as 1 will have 



126 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 

frequent opertunityes of folks in town, I shall always 
make them call at you. My Lord was quite vexed 
about the very bad day you got. He and I hopes you 
felt no bad effects from it, and will be glad to hear 
that all at Duffus are well ; and mind our compli- 
ments to your brother Sandy, who we hope to see 
when he is at leisure. 

" I hope Lady Jane Home and Mrs. Katterie and 
you will continue your acquaintance. They are sen- 
sible good people both of them ; their cleverness in 
conversation, and little turn to railerie, has given 
them some enymies, but every body that knows them 
as I do, m.ust like them and will be their friends ; for 
their smartness is more for funn than mischief, but 
every body has not good nature enough to understand 
them on the right side. A long long intimacie makes 
me speak from experience of their merits, and the 
longer you know them you will have the better opi- 
nion of them. I assure you I have not failed in 
recommending you to them. 

" I remember, when here, you mentioned about ride- 
ing cloaths, and I have made inquirie what has the 
preference amongst the young ladys that are really 
riders. I find it is a plain cloth with a small rope or 
twist of gold or silver, for tho' the white fustion is 
cool and pretty for summer they soon loose their good 
looks, and to have as manny as to wash other, which 
is the way necessary, comes to more expense than the 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 127 

price of the plain cloath one. If I hear of any bodj 
that wants a maid I shall certainly not forget Mrs. 
Glase s friend. The character you gave me of her, and 
the good esteem the world allows her, shall always 
make me very willing to do anything that is obliging 
to Mrs. Glass, and T shall thank you for puting it in 
my power. You tell me of another strong claim to 
my ci villi tys, in l^eing related to the Sinclair family, 
for I assure you I am as clanish as if I had been born 
be-north the Grampion hills. 

" I have returned the pretty patterns. They are 
very neat and well done. I have keept a very little 
bit of each, in case of any further whims about this 
said triming. 

" Now, dear Nell, adieu, and bellieve me ever your 
sincere friend, M : Moray. 

" Now if my two good friends takes more libertie 
with you than would come in the way of strangers, 
remember it is in and through me, for I always think 
young folks the better of being in an intimate state 
with elder folks than themselves, even though they 
do not spare their complexions sometimes. 

" If your flower-maker has any flowers on hand 
that you think would suit my wild taste, I will be 
glad to purchase a few. You may send me a sight of 
them by the carrier, and the prices, for the incournge- 
ment of industry." 



XIX. GENIAL LETTEKS. 

One of tlie Presbyterian ministers of Elgin was 
such an enemy to keeping holidays that he searched 
houses, to prevent the owners from having a Christmas 
goose — to this Sir Harrie alludes. Mess Jon was pro- 
bably the Episcopalian clergyman. 

^- Mr. Archibald Dunbar. 

" off Thunderton, att Elgin. 

" IxxES, Deer. 23, 1702. 

'^ Dear Archie, — I am not so greatt a fooU as to 
make ffeasts that wise men may eat them, nor yet so 
greatt a presbeterian but I can eatt a leg of a goose, 
and play at umber on yool-day. If you will come 
out here on Thursday's night, the doctor and you and 
I shall be as merry as we can, and if you bring Mess 
Jon with you to be ffool in the ifamilie, and make us 
laugh, you shall have a revenge off your lost fifteen 
shilhngs, and mightily oblidge, your obliged friend 
and humbell servant, Harrie In:nes.^ 

" Send me your news by this days post. 

1 The Duke of Roxbiirghe is the direct male descendent of Sir Harrie. 
The hospitalities of Innes have been transferred to Floors. 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FOIIMEE DAYS. 129 

" If you have any commands fFor Edinburgh, I am to 
send ane expresse which will be dispatht this night." 



John Forbes, of Culloden, elder brother of the cele- 
brated President, was familiarly known as " Squire 
Bumper." 

''Sept. 2Qth, 1705. 

" Dear Thoundertoun, — I pray God be with you 
and your distrest lady, which I am fforced to do in 
this maner, being straitnd with tyme — tyde being be- 
twixt nyne and ten aclock. If you intend I should 
have your horse att the pryce I offered you last night, 
viz., a ginea dead arles, and my note ffor ffive hunder 
marks, payable att Whitesenday seventeen hundred 
and six, you may take my horse ffrom my boy and 
send doun yours to Leith, and if other wayes you 
desyre to dispose off him I wish you good markett, 
being your intyrely affectionate comrade and most 
humble servant, Jo. Forbes." 



" Innes, August \st, 1711. 

" Dear Archie, — Culloden and I bid you heartyly 
welcome home. 

" I thank you ffor your care of my letters, but wish 
you had made this your rod. Were my side reco- 
vered of my horse-fall, and my own, I had seen you 

I 



130 SOCIAL LIFE IN FOEMER DAYS. 

this day ; wliich also hindered my seeing your chil- 
dren when I desio^ned. 

" Colloden and I do most earnestlie beg you to take 
your morning drams vvith us here Monday morning ; 
and it is hard to say but either, or both of us, will 
convey you a pairt of the way home, if both be able, 
and perhaps the whole length home. In the mean- 
tyme satisfie us if there be a battle in fflanders, or 
not, because it is so told, and, if so, who won, and 
what other of news you please. We are, dear Archie, 
your obhged and affectionatt comrades to serve you, 

" Haerie Innes. 
Jo. Forbes.'' 



William Dunl^ar, W.S., was a younger son of the 
Laird of Boath, Nairnshire. 

" To Alexander Dunbar, Esquire, Advocate, 
" To the care of Rhind and Warren, 
" Merchants, London. 

"Boath, Wednesday, *ltli September 1768. 

" Tho' I have been days in the country, yet an un- 
interrupted course of \^sits and card-playing has put 
it beyond my power to pay that tribute which I owe 
to you, not only in virtue of a solemn promise, but 
from the ties of gratitude and esteem which I shall 
always endeavour to hold sacred. It is true, indeed, I 
might have scrawled a few lines in the interval of a 
rubber when I happened to cut out, but I know that 



SOCIAL LIFE IX FOEMER DAY8, 131 

would not be such a letter as you would expect ; be- 
sides, it would be shamefully overrated at the value of 
tenpence. I am afraid even this one will fall under 
that condemnation, for I am not vain enough to 
imagine that anything, the produce of this Northern 
clime, can so much as engage the attention of a gen- 
tleman encircled by the splendid allurements of a 
capital where pleasure springs under every footstep. 
My sober ambition is to know that you pass your 
time agreeably, and allow me to assure you I shall 
feel very sensible satisfaction to learn that your pur- 
poses are fully answered. 

"Mr. Cosmo Gordon, Jock Innes, and I travelled 
together. I parted from them at the Bridge of Dy, 
and prosecuted my intentions of joining my friends at 
Kemnay. During the course of our journey I made 
repeated observations of the learned counsel, which 
would not be in any degree new to you, as they were 
only such as I have often heard you remark formerly. 
They confirmed my opinion that the designation in 
the list of jurymen was no less true than droll. The 
remaining part of my journey furnished nothing 
worthy of notice, except Miss Mary Burnett, who, I 
will venture to say, would be accounted handsome 
even at Vauxhall or 'Raneleigh' — (I fear not right 
spelled). At Hatton Lodge I fell in with young 
Knockando, accompanied by an old college acquaint- 
ance of your s called Bean. This gentleman went out 



132 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 

to India in 1761, and is already said to have accumu- 
lated ten thousand pounds sterling ; notwithstanding 

of which I thought him a puppie, and d forward 

in prating. We found the noble family at Cullen 
House emerged from the cloud of melancholy which 
lately hung upon them. Lord Deskford appeared to 
me like the ghost of Tenducie — tall, meagre, feeble. 
Were he like the Italian in every respect, Te Deum 
might be sung in Erse along the banks of the Spey; 
but that prospect seems to have evanished, as it is 
thought a short while will restore the young Lord to 
health and vigour, after which it will be necessary 
that he marry. I had the honour of a second inter- 
view with our Advocate -Depute on my getting on to 
Fochabers. I touched the lips of his fair sisters, and 
ate some very good bread and butter. Dr. Levingston 
of Aberdeen is in attendance at Gordon Castle to in- 
troduce to the world a young Marquis or a Lady, 
perhaps both — for the Duchess is prodigiously big. 
The young Commissary and his Clerk were the only 
acquaintances I saw at Elgin. Many enquiries were 
made about you. Chittock's fame and intrepidity 
were extoled at great length 1}y the young Provost, 
and he said his father had no doubt but that yours 
would be restored to perfect health, and return to 
pass his days in tranquility at Duffus. 

" I saw George Ogilvie, Advocate, at Nairn yester- 
day, on his way to Inverness. There is no other 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 133 

youngster upon this Circuit, and for ought that I 
can learn, very little business. All the prisoners 
made their escape from the jail at Inverness, so the 
Lord Pitfour Avill have the trouble only of ffugitation, 
and reprimanding the magistrates. Ogilvie told me 
there would be one trial on criminal letters, where it 
seems the prisoner had been liberate on bad. He is 
to figure away to the jury, and begged I might go 
with him, but I declined. Never were such speeches, 
it is said, as this young counsel made about the end 
of last Session, and yet you or I heard nothing of 
them, although then upon the spot. However, they 
were echoed to the North by the Lords Kaims and 
Pitfour in letters to Lord Finlater. His Lordship 
asked me at Cullen what I thought of Mr. Ogilvie's 
appearance. I answered I had heard of no public 
appearance, but defending his annexa. My Lord 
looked surprised. I was no less so. How the hero 
behaves at Inverness shall be the subject of another 
letter, as I intend to go in to-morrow. 

" I hope it is quite unnecessary for me to assure 
you with what readiness I would execute any com- 
mands you may have in this or the eastern part of 
the country. I have time and horses at command, 
and you know I will not be wanting in inclination. 
Believe me to be, with the greatest regard and affec- 
tion, my dear Sandie, your sincere friend and obedient 
servant, Will. Dunbar. 



134 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMEU DAYS. 

" N.B. — Might you not give me an order for one or 
other of your pointers ? I will not make a demand on 
Brodie, not even for the privilege of shooting. Pray 
can you lend him seven thousand pounds sterling, at 
four and a half per cent. ? ' apply to Eobert Donald- 
son, writer, Covenant Close/ — Ed: Ev: Courant!' 



Sir William Gordon endeavoured to prevent the 
proprietor of an adjoining estate, who was also a 
wealthy London merchant, from draining part of the 
Loch of Spynie : — 

" Sir Alexander Dunbar, 

" of Northfield, Bart. 

" GoRDONSTowN, Sth June 1782. 

" Dear Sir,^ — Be so good to inform me how it fares 
with you and the Lady. It will be some time before 
I recover from my late fatigue, so as to be able to pay 
you and her Ladyship my personal respects. But, if I 
live, I am determined it shall not be full three years. 

" I have at last read over the proof, and am obliged 
to allow our friend, the bailie, all possible merit as a 
partisan in the predatory war, which he has had the 
conduct of, and in which, had not Providence been 
upon our side, I plainly perceive my EegTilars must 
have been totally discomfitted, both from the natural 
difficulty of the ground, and their not having so 
thorough a knowledge of the country. Indeed, by 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FOIUIEK BAYS. 135 

my Jiealth not permitting me to be present, my opo- 
nents ]iad every advantage they could have wished or 
desii-ed, though after all, I think it will not mucli 
avail them, as the main points I go for, are fully estab- 
lished, and I cannot help thinking that Mr. will 

find, in the end, that before he broke ground he should 
have sent me a friendly summons to capitulate, in 
which case I would have surrendered upon much 
easier terms than can now be expected. 

' I grant his foreign imports ffresh and fair, 
What I complain of is his homespun ware — 
His manners, principles, and length of ear, 
Which make him prey on those he should revere. 
To take a goose or duck were no great matter ; 
But this marauder steals both land and water. 
If such a fox your toils should come within, 
AVould you not hang him first — then stuff his skin ? 
When thus prepar'd — he — we a nuisance call — 
Might serve to grace the portal of a hall.' 

" I thought these few lines, which I lately found in 
an old manuscript, were not inapplicable to the pre- 
sent subject, and might help to warm and divert my 
friend in one of his cold fits. 

" Wishing to know that Lady Dunbar is on the way 
of recovery, I remain, dear Sir, your most obedient 
and much obliged humble servant, 

" Will. Gordon." 



136 SOCIAL LIFE IK FORMER DAYS. 

Glowing description : — 

" Sir Alexander Dunbar, Bart. 

" Banff, 2^th Deer. 1783. 

" Sir, — Mr. Keid called on me tliis evening with a 
proposal of letting you see my violin, and on terms of 
parting with her. I have sent her, per the bearer, 
from the consideration that it were pity not to gratify 
a musical genius of your extensive knowledge with 
such an easy granted request. 

" She is an old one — Italian— and the original price, 
as I am informed, was ten pounds. She has been well 
cared for. The breast has been off, from what cause I 
know not — but ever since, she has sustained a very 
good character. From Wales I got her for another 
violin, and a considerable balance, as he stood in need 
of a little ready cash. Perhaps the new tenor and 
treble may not (merely on account of the newness) at 
first touch emit such a fine body of tone, but a few 
strokes of the bow will remove that inconveniency. 
The counter has never pleased me Hke the counter I 
first got her with, which was very mellow. We have 
no assortment of strings here. Her present counter 
is mis-sized, but you can try her with another size if 
you have any by you. 

" I shall say nothing more as to the merits of the 
instrument ; your own knowledge of music will per- 
fectly well enable you to ascertain her value ; — and 
tho' I would not choose to part with her under value, 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMEE DAYS. 



137 



yet if you ^Yisll to have her, you would let me know 
what you would willingly give for her. I own she 
came to me under her original value, but not a very 
great deal ; and as I esteem her for being well- 
toned and mellow, as well as for being easy to stop, 
you may believe I will be the more reluctant to part 
mth her. 

'' I fancy you play the psaltery too. Sir. I have got 
an uncommon (I believe I may call it new invented, 
as I was the first in this country who thought of get- 
ting such an instrument made,) instrument, which, by 
partaking both of the nature of the violin and psaltery, 
becomes a kind of psaltero-violin. Its strings are 
therm — tuned thus — 

E A E A E 



cc 


ro 


CD 


CD 


'CD 


w 


m 






.B 


<A 


a 


^ 


^ 


PQ 


PP 


O 


O 


+3 


4-2 
a: 




ft 


ft 


Ul 



m 



and is capable of producing a most prodigious variety 
of chords, owing to the manner of compounding the 
open strings. 

" Now, Sir, you may please let me hear from you 
per the bearer ; and I am, Sir, most respectfully, your 
most obedient humble servant, Will. Smith." 



\ 



XX. YOUNGER SOJNS. 

Befoee the acquisition of our Indian Empire, and 
our numerous Colonial conquests, it was thought by 
no means derogatory to the dignity of families that 
younger sons should enter into trade, and even per- 
form, in some instances, manual labour. 

Sir Ludovic Gordon, the Premier Baronet of Scot 
land, as grandson paternally of the Earl of Sutherland, 
was a direct descendant of the Princess Margaret,^ 
daughter of King Robert the Bruce : — 

" Thir Indent ors, made at Edinburgh the ffour- 
teenth day of August Jajvic thre scoir twell yeirs 
(1672), in themsells proports, and beirs leill and south- 
fast witnessing that it is appoynted, agreed, and 
ffinalhe ended betwix the pairties following — to wit, 
Mr. Robert Blaikwood, merchand burges of Edinburgh, 
on the ane pairt, and George Gordoun, sone laufuU to 
Sir Lodovick Gordoun of Gordounstoun, Knight Bar- 
ronett, with the speciaU advyse and consent of his said 

^ The Princess married William, fourth Earl of Sutherland. 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FOEMER DAYS. 139 

father, and the said Sir Lodovick Gordoun for himselff, 
and takand the bnrthen in and upon him for the said 
George Gordoun, and as cautoner and suertie for him 
fur fullfilling of his pairt of thir present indentors 
underwretten, on the other pairt ; in manor, forme, 
and effect as efter foUowes : That is to say, the said 
George Gordoun, with advyce and consent forsaid, 
is become, and, be the tenor heirof, becomes bound 
prenteise and servand to the said Mr. Eol3ert Blaik- 
wood to his airt and trade of merchandizeing, and 
that for all the dayes, space, yeirs, and terms of ffyve 
yeirs nixt and immediatly following his entrie therto, 
which shall be, and, God willing, begin the day and 
date hereof; dureing the which space the said George 
Gordoun binds and obleisses him, be the faith and 
trueth of his bodie, to serve the said Mr. Eobert Blaik- 
wood, his master, leallie and truelie, night and day, 
holy day and workday, in all things godlie and honest ; 
and shall not know nor heire of his said masters skaith 
dureing the space forsaid, but shall reveill the samen 
to him and remied it to his power; and shall not 
absent himselff from his said masters service, at noe 
tyme dureing the space contained in thir indentors, 
without the speciall lisence of his said master had and 
obtained to that effect ; and if he does in the contrar, 
he obleisses him to serve his said master tuo dayes, 
for ilk daye's absense, efter the expyreing of thir in- 
dentors ; and shall refund, content, and pay to his said 



140 SOCIAL LIFE IX FORMER DAYS. 

master tuo pennies for ilk |)emiies loss that his said- 
master beis damnified, in his default, dureing the space 
forsaid : and if it shall happen the said George Gor- 
doun (as God forbid) to comitt the filthie crymes of 
fornicatione or adnlterie at any tyme during the space 
conteined in thir indentors, in tliat case he faithfullie 
binds and obleisses him to serve the said ]\Ir. Eobert 
Blaikwood, his master, thre yeares, efter the expyreing 
of thir indentors, in the same estate as if he wer bound 
prenteise as said is : and for the said George Gordoun 
his lawfulie remaineing and fullfiUing of the premisses, 
the said Sir Lodovick Gordoun, be the tenor hereof, 
becomes bound and obleissed as cautoner and suertie 
for him. Lykeas the said Mr. Eobert Blaikwood faith- 
fullie binds and obleisses him to ken, learne, teatch, 
and instruct the said George Gordoun, his prenteise, in 
all the poynts, pratiqes, and ingynes of his said airt and 
trade of merchandizeing, and that alsweill without as 
within the cuntrie ; and shall not hyd nor conceill no 
poynt nor praticje thereof from him, but shall doe his 
utter and exact diligencie to cans him conceave, learne, 
and understand the samen, in so far as he is able or 
can doe himselfi"; and shall furnish and sustain the 
said George Gordoun, his prenteise, suffecentlie at bed 
and boord dureing the space mentioned in thir inden- 
tors, according to the estate of siclyke ane prenteise ; 
and also the said Mr. Eobert Blaikwood binds and 
obleisses him to send, or take with him, the said 



! 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 141 

George Gordoiin, his prenteise, once to London and 
once to Holland befor the expyreing of thir inden- 
tors, and that upon the said Mr. Eobert his own 
proper charges and expensses. For the whilks causses 
the said Sir Lodovick Gordoun has instantlie con- 
tented payed, and thankfullie delyvered, to the said 
Mr. Eobert Blaikwood, in name of prenteise ffie with 
the said George Gordoun, ane certane soum of money, 
wherof the said Eobert grants the recept and holds 
him Weill satisfied, and, for him and his airs and suc- 
cessors, exoners and simplie discharges the saids Sir 
Lodovick and George Gordouns, their airs, executors, 
and all uther whom it effeirs, therof for ever, re- 
nuncand all exceptiones whatsomever in the contrar. 
And finallie, the said Mr. Eobert Blaikwood binds 
and obliesses him to book the said George Gordoun 
his prenteise in the Gild Court books of Edinburgh, 
within fourtie dayes nixt efter the date of thir inden- 
tors, under the paines conteined in the act and ordor 
of the Counsill, of date the first daye of fi'ebruary 
1656 yeirs. Consenting thir presents be insert and 
registrat in any register compitent, that letters of 
horning on sex dayes, and other executione neidfull 
in forme as eff'eirs, may pas therupon, and for that 
efi'ect constituting thir prors. In witnes 

wherof (wrettin be Thomas Pirrie, w^ritter in Edin- 
burgh,) both pairties have subscryved thir presents 
with their hands, day, month, place, yeare of God 



142 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER BAYS. 

forsaid, befor tliir witnesses, Mr. Robert Gordouii, 
brother-german to the said Sir Lodovick Gordouu, 
John Trotter, merchand burges of Edinburgh, and the 
said Thomas Pirrie. R. Blackwood. 

George Gordon. 
"Ro. Gordone, ivitnes. Lodv: Gordon. 

To. Trotter, wittnes. 
T. Pirrie, ivitnes.'' 



From his not having served the three additional 
years, we infer that it did not " happen the said 
George Gordoun to comitt the filthie crymes" men- 
tioned in the " indentors.*' 

" Be it keind to all men by these presents that 
wheras the within written Georg Gordon did truly 
and faithfully serve me the whole time of the within 
written indentors, and perform the haile oblessments 
therof ; therforr wit me to halve exonared and dis- 
charged (lykas I be the tennor heirof exonors and dis- 
charges) him of the said indentors, and Sir Lodovick 
Gordon of Gordonstoun, his father and cautoner, for 
now and ever. In witnesse wherof I have wretten 
and subscryved this, at Edinburgh, this fourth of De- 
cember Jajvic seventie eight yeares (1678). 

'' R. Blackwood." 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 143 

Guineas and Cadboll were two of the principal 
families of the Macleod clan. The Dumbreaks long 
possessed the estate of Orton on the banks of the 
Spey. 

•' To Mr. Archbald Dunbar, 

'' of Tlmndcrtoun, at Duffus. 

"Invernes, 28th Nov. 1712. 

" Sir, — The bearer, William M'Leod, a joiner to his 
imployment, burges and frieman heir, that lived at 
this place about a year and half, following his trade, 
that served his apprentesship at Edinburgh, and thrie 
yeares a journeyman at London; he is a brother of 
Donald M'liCod of Geanies, and coosein german of 
Catbolls, and, as I understand, is in tearmes of mari- 
adge with our coosin Christian Dumbrek, and goes 
east your lenth of purpose to have your consent and 
countenance, and proposes nothing else, as he tells 
me, but a good wyfe and friends by her. This is all 
I have to trouble you with, not doubting of your 
civilitie to him ; and, wdth the tender of my own and 
spouse's humble duty to yourself and children, I re- 
main, Sir, your affectionat cooseine and obleidged 
servant, Ja. Dunbar." 



XXL WHOLESALE MERCHANTS. 

The export and import trade of tlie Nortli of Scot- 
land, about two hundred years ago, was very consider- 
able. An Elgin firm, consisting of Sir James Calder 
of Muirtown, William King of Newmiln, and others, 
carried on a most extensive business. So early as 
1676, we find them exporting bear and malt to Bor- 
deaux and Drontone, and from thence importing large 
quantities of wine and brandy — the postage connected 
with the outward and homeward voyage amounting 
to twenty-five shillings sterling. Good bills on Elgin 
and Inverness were, in 1692, remitted from Rotterdam, 
where " our country product, viz., best Aberdeins pladin, 
Elgin pladin, allmed lether, salmond, tallow, winter 
foxes, otters, old brass, and old copper," were gener- 
ally in demand. To more fully elucidate the business 
transactions of the firm, we give copies of several of 
their papers. 

Charter party, 1685 : — 

" At Findhorn, the eighten day off February Jajvjc. 
and eightie fyve yeirs (1685). It is condescended 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 145 

betxt the parties ffolouing, that is to say, be James 
Calder of Muirtoun, and William King, marchants in 
Elgin, on the one pairt, and James Young, master off 
the Lodouick and William off ffindhorne, on the other 
pairt — That is to say, the said James Young ffraughts 
his shipp equalie betxt them, and oblidges him with al 
conwenient diligence to receive aboard the said ship, 
from them, her full loading off bear, within the harbor 
off ffindhorn, wher she now lyes, and to transport and 
delyver the samen at the port off Roterdam, wind and 
weather serving (sea hazard onlie excepted), to them 
or ther order, and to have his said shipp sufficientlie 
furnished with able companie, and all other necessaries 
for such shipp and voyadge : ffor the which cause the 
saids James Calder and William King oblidges them 
not onlie wholie to load the said shipp, but also to cause 
pay the said master the soume off eighteen styviers, 
Hollands mony, as ffraught ffor each boll that shall be 
shipped at ffindhorn, and that within fourtie eight 
hours imediatlie after livering the said loadine off bear 
at Roterdam, with avarage and petie poilotage accord- 
ing to custome at sea, with thretie gilders in name off 
Cap. Lacken ; and the said marchants to pay six punds 
Scotts, as demurage, for ilk day the said shipp shall 
happn to be detained, longer than the number of 
days at both the saids ports, ffor loadning and liver- 
ing ; and finalie, both parties oblidges them to perform 
this present agreement, each one to other, under the 

K 



146 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMEE DAYS. 

falyie of tuo hundredth punds Scots mony, to be payed 
be the partie falyier to the partie performer or willing 
to perform above performance of the premises ; and, 
for the more securitie, all parties consents to the re- 
grestration heiroff in the book of Concell and Session, 
or anie other Judge books competent within this king- 
dom, that letters and executon may pass heirupon, in 
form as effirs, and to that effect constitutes 

our prors. 
In witnes wheroff, we have subscrived thir presents 
(writen be William Ehind, marchant in Elgin), day, 
yeir, and place above writen, beffor thir witness, 
William Calder, brother-german to the said James 
Calder, and James Fenton, Balzie in ffindhorne. 

" J. Young. 
James Caldee. 
" William Calder, witnes. W. King. 

Ja. Fenton, witnes f' 



The date of the " accomj^t" is 1694 : — 

" Accompt of all the beeff, tallow, and hydes bought 
be Sir James Calder of Muirtoune, William King, Pro- 
vost of Elgin, Alexander Brodie of TiUieburies, and 
James Young, skipper in Elgin, from Baillie Calder 
in Weeck of Caithess, and others there, with the 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 147 

ffrauglits, custome, and all other expenses debursed 
tlierupon, as follows :— 

lihs. sh. d. 

ffroui Eobert Calder, Baillie in Weeck, and 
his partners, conforme to contract, the 
number of three hundred and twenty bar- 
rells of beetf, and fy ve barrells of tongues, 
at nineteen merks the barrell, . . . 41161304 

ffrom them, twenty-nine barrells of tallow, 
weighing, nett, six thousand three hundred 
and twentie two pound weight, . . 08850104 

ffrom them, ff^^ve hundered and thirtie ffyve 
salt hydes, at three pounds twelve shillings 
the peece, 1926 00 00 

Bought on our accompt be Thomas Calder, 
two hundred and nine salt hydes, which, 
according to his particular accompt, extends 
to the soume, 0779 12 00 

Also bought be him, fourteen and a half bar- 
rells of tallow, weighing three thousand ane 
hunder and twentie three pound nett, at 
fourteen pounds ten shillings per cwt., as 
per particular accompt, extends to . . 04521610 

To money deburst for ffraughts, salt to be 
pickle, girds, custome, cocquet, and enterie- 
money, as per particular accompt, the soume 
of fyve hundered eighteen pound, fyfteen 
shillings, ten pennies, . . . . 0518 15 10 



Summa of the first pennie of the beeff, tallow, 
and hydes, with the charges and deburse- 
ments for, except the ft'raught for the hydes 
which are not as yet come over, extend to 
the soume of 8678 19 04 



148 SOCIAL LIFE IN FOEMEU DAYS. 

An extensive order : — 

" Commissione, from Sir James Calder of Muirtoune, 
William King of Newmilne, Provost of Elgine, Alex- 
ander Brodie of Tillieburies, and ane ffoiirth partner, 
to Alexr. Carstairs, merchant in Roterdame, and John 
and WiUiam Gordones, merchants in Camphire, for 
buying and sending home the goods ^ after following. 
Given at ffindhorne, the 24 ffebruary 1694 : — 

Imo, Forty barrells soapp, whereof twenty iu aught eeiidales, 

and twenty in f&rkins. 
2do, 300 lb. small powder, in ten casks, beeing 30 lb. in each 

cask. 
3io, Ane kinkine tarmaluk, for dying ; lykewise, three casks 

of ombrdd niather, free of gnst, about seven hundred 

weight the peece. 
4to, Two barrells pihegrest ; lykewise, four hogsheads alme ; 

but care that none of it be dustie alme. 
5to, Four barrells blew reasines ; two hundered weight ciu:- 

rens, in one or two casks, as you think fitt. 
6to, Four fhrkins ffigs ; two casks prunes. If the aforesd 

fruits be not speciall good, send none of them. 
7mo, 400 lb. pannbrass, Aveell sorted, about 70 lb. weight in 

every matt. 
8to, 1000 lb. good green ginger. 
9o, 600 lbs. mellis suggar, 200 lbs. refinade, packt in two 

casks, with anize seeds, of which we desyre 600 lb., and 

what is not in amongst the suggar, lett be packt in the 

cask where the pepper is. 
lOo, 200 lb. gad steill; and the value of two hundred gilders 

best of fflott indigo, in tw^o small casks. 

^ The gross value of the "goods" amounted to five thousand three 
hundred and thirty-four pounds, eight shillings, and eightpence sterling. 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 149 

llo, 100 lbs. black piper, beeiiig packt up in ane bagg ; 6 lb. 

mace, in three small baggs ; 6 lb. cannell, in three matts. 

12o, 002 lb. cloves; 2 lb. nntmuggs. Pack the black piper, 

mace, cloves, niittmugs, and cannell in ane cask, with 

some suggar and anise seeds. 

100 lb. rice, such as uses to come to this countrey, packt 

in ane cask. 
A hundered thousand countrey needles, of the greatest sort, 

about fourteen styvers the thousand. 
Three peece muslen, wherof one fyne stript about thirty 
six gilders the peece ; one peece at thirty ; another at 
twenty-eight. 
50 lb. weight camels' hair, wherof 30 lb. black, 15 lb. white, 

and 5 lb. gold colour. 
Four peeces mowrning creapp, about four styvers the 

Dutch elne. 
Five dozen hatts of the newest fashione, and of severall 
sizes, all black ; the one half about three gilders the 
peece, and the other half at three gilders three styvers ; 
all packt in ane tuht cask. 
ffour alms white Eenish wine, not exceeding seventeen 
dollars per alme; and lett it be of the last yeares 
vintage. 
Six hogsheadds good clear hard Seek, of ane good bodie, 

in strong casks. 
Six casks tobacco, that is good and fresh for this coun- 
trey's use, in the largest cask yee can ; have none of 
them under nine hundred weight. 
ffour barrells single pypes. 

Mynd the ffrench wynes, according to our letter. 
Mark all the casks and matts thus, WK, numbred that we 
may know, be the number, what goods is in each cask. Wee 
doe earnestlie intreat you send us good casks, that they may 
be off use to us afterwards." 



150 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 

Printed bill of lading, 1694. It is embellished by 
a shield, with armorial bearings, below which notice is 
given that such forms were " Sold at Kotterdam by 
the Widdow of Mathijs Wagens, dwelling upon the 
Blaeck by the Fischmarket : '' — 

" Shipped, by the grace of God, in good order and 
wel conditioned, by [William King, Sir James Calder, 
and Partners^], in and upon the good ship called the 
[Ludovick and William of ffindhorne], whereof is 
master, under God, for this present voyage, [James 
Young], and now riding at ankor in the [river of 
ffindhorne], and, by God's grace, bound for [the har- 
bour of Camphere in Zealland], to say [the number of 
three hundred and nyneteen barrels of beeff, ffyve 
barreUs of tongues, and fourtie three and a half bar- 
rells tallow], being marked and numbred as in the 
margent, and are to be delivred in the like good order 
and well conditioned, at the aforesaid port of [Cam- 
phere in Zealland], the danger of the seas only ex- 
cepted, unto [the said Sir James Calder and William 
King], or to [thir] assignes, he or they paying fraight 
for the said goods, [according to the charter partie], 
with primage and avarage accustomed. In witnesse 
whereof, the master or purser of the said ship hath 
affirmed to three bils of lading, aU of this tenor and 
date, the one of which three bils being accomplished, 

^ The words within brackets were written. 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 1 5 1 

the other two to stand void. And so God send the 
good shipp to her desired port in safety, Amen. 
Dated in [ffindhorne, the 20 day of February 1694 

yeares]." 



The Custom-dues on wine and salt : — 

" I, William King, Provist of Elging, grant me be 
thir presents to be justlie resting and owing to Sir 
Archbald Muire of Thorntoun, Sir John Shaw of Grin- 
ock, and John Howstone, younger of that like, prin- 
cipal tacksmen of his Majesties Customes and foraigne 
excise, the soum of two thousand one hundred and 
sixtie eight punds Scots monie, and that for the excise 
of five hundred and sixtie boals bay salt, Lithgow 
meassur, and twentie nine tuns clarat and white wine, 
imported be me, and partiners, in the Prophat Jonas of 
Lunden, Cristian Andersone, master, from St. Abastins, 
conform to my two subscrived entries, for cargo and 
portadge, att ffindhorn the seventeeth of June last, 
which so wme of two thousand one hundred and sixtie 
eight punds Scots fforsaid, I bind and obledge me, my 
aires, exektors, and successors, to content, pay, and 
deliver to the saids Sir Archbald Muire of Thorntoun, 
Sir John Shaw of Grinok, and John Howston, younger 
of that like, their aires, exektors, or asigns, or to John 
Crauford, the coUecter att Invernes, precislie againe 



152 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMEE DAYS. 

the seventeen day of December nixt to come, anno 
present, but longer delay, with the sowme of seven 
hundred and twentie punds, monie forsaid, of liquidat 
expenss in caise of failie, and annualrent after the said 
tearm of payment during the nott payment therof ; 
and, for the more security, I consent to the registration 
hierof in the books of Theassurie and Exchakquer, or 
other books competent Avithin this kingdom, to have 
the strength of ane decreet of the Lords, or other 
Judges thereof?, therto interpond, in form as affeirs, 
and to that eflfect constetuts 

my prors. In witness 
wherof, I have subscrived thir presents at ffindhorn, 
the fourth of JuUy one thousand six hundred and 
nintie five years, befor thir witnesses, John Badon, 
indweller in fHndhorne, and Patrick Comrie, surveyor 
of the precinct of Invernes, and wryter hierof, 

" Wm. King. 
" J. Badon, witness. 
Patrick Comrie, witness^ 



XXII. DEINKING-SONG. 

William Sutherland, merchant in Elgin, well 
known in the North, early in the eighteenth century, 
under the cognomen " Bogsie," had his virtues suitably 
immortalized by the comic muse. " Bogsie" and his 
brother merchants were evidently men of classical 
education. 

" Viri Humani, Salsi, et Faceti Gulielmi Suther- 
land, Multarum Artium et Scientiarum, Doctoris 
Doctissimi, Diploma : — 

TTBIQUE gentium et terrarum 

From Sutherland to Padanarum, 
From those who have six months of day, 
Ad caput usque bona? Spei ; 
And farther yet, si forte tendat, 
Ne ignorantiam quis pretendat, 
We Doctors of the merry meeting, 
To all and sundry do send greeting : 
Ut omnes habeant compertum, 
Per hanc prsesentem nostram chartam, 
Guhelmum Sutherlandum Scotum, 
At home per nomen Bogsie notum, 
Who studied stoutly at our College, 
And gave good specimens of knowledge. 



154 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 

In multis artibus versatiim, 

ISTunc factum esse Doctoratum. 

Quoth PnESES, strictum post exameu, 

ISTunc esto Doctor, we said Amen. 

So to you all liunc commendamus 

Ut juvenem quern nos amamus, 

Qui multas habet qualitates 

To please all humours and aetates. 

He vies, if sober, with Duns Scotus, 

Sed multo magis, si sit potus, 

In disputando just as keen as 

Calvin, John Knox, or Tom Aquinas 

In every question of theologie. 

Versatus multum in trickologie, 

Et in catalogis librorum 

Frazer could never stand before him, 

For he, by page and leaf, can quote. 

More books than Solomon ev'r wrote. 

A lover of the mathematicks 

He is, but hates the hydrostaticks. 

Because he thinks it a cold study. 

To deal in water clear or mudy. 

Doctissimus est medicinse. 

Almost a Borehave or Bellini. 

He thinks the dyet of Cornaro 

In meat and drink too scrimp and narrow, 

And that the rules of Leonard Lessius 

Are good for nothing but to stress us. 

By solid arguments and keen, 

He has confuted Dr. Cheyne, 

And clearly proved by demonstration. 

That claret is a good eolation, 

Sanis, a^gris, always better 

Than coffee or tea, milk or water ; 



SOCIAL LIFE m FORMER DAYS. 155 

That chearfull company cum risu, 

Cum ^T.no forti, sua^ri \dsu, 

Gustatu dulci, still lias been, 

A cure for hyppo and the spleen ; 

That hen and capon vervecina, 

Beef, duck and pasties, cum ferina, 

Are good stomathicks, and the best 

Of cordials, probatum est. 

He knows the symptoms of the phthisis, 

Et per salivam sees diseases, 

And can discover in urina, 

Quando sit opus medicina. 

A good French night-cap stiU has been. 

He says, a proper anodyne. 

Better than laudanum or poppy 

Ut dormiamus like a toppy. 

Affirmat lusum alearum 

Medicamentum esse clarum. 

Or else a touch at three hand Umber, 

When toil or care our spirits cumber. 

Which graft wings on our hours of leasure 

And make them fly with ease and pleasure. 

Aucupium et venationem. 

Post longam nimis potationem. 

He has discover'd to be good 

Both for the stomach and the blood ; 

As frequent exercise and travel 

Are good against the gout and gravel. 

He clearly proves the cause of death 

Is nothing but the want of breath, 

And that, indeed, is a disaster, 

When 'tis occasion'd by a plaster 

Of hemp and pitch laid closely on 

Somewhat a])ove the colar bone. 



156 SOCIAL LIFE IX FORMER DAYS. 

Well does lie know the proper doses 
Whicli wall prevent the fall of noses ; 
Ev'n keep them qui privantur illis, 
^gre utuntur perspicilis. 
To tills and ten times more his skill 
Extends, when he would cure or kill. 
Immensam cognitionem legum 
ISTe prorsus hie silentio tegam, 
Cum sociis artis greese his fist, 
Torquebit illas as you list. 
If laws for bribes are made, its plain, 
They may be bought and sold again. 
Spectando aurum now we find, 
That Madame Justice is stone-bhnd; 
So deaf and dull on both her ears, 
The clink of gold she only hears, 
I^ought else, but a loud party-shout, 
Will make her start or look about. 
His other talents to rehearse, 
Bre^dssime in prose or verse ; 
To tell how gracefully he dances, 
And artfully contrives romances ; 
How well he arches and shoots flying — 
Let no man think that we mean lying ; 
How well he fences, rides, and sings. 
And does ten thousand other things ; 
Allow a line, nay, but a comma, 
To each turgerent hoc diploma. 
Quare ut tandem concludamus. 
Qui brevitatem approbamus. 
For brevity is always good, 
Providing we be understood. 
In rerum omnium naturis, 
Xon minus quam scientia juris. 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 157 

Et medicinae Doctoratum 
Bogsaeum novimiis versatum ; 
Nor shall we here say more about him, 
But you may dacker if you doubt him. 
Addamus tamen hoc tantillum, 
Duntaxat nostrum hoc sigillum, . 
Huic Testimonio appeusum, 
Ad confirmaudum ejus sensum, 
Junctis Chyrographis cunctorum, 
Blyth, honest, hearty, sociorum, 
Dabamus at a large punch bowel. 
Within our proper common school. 
The twenty-sixth day of November, 
Ten years, the date we may remember. 
After the Eace of Sherrifmuir,^ 
Scots-men will count from a black hour. 
Ab omni probo nunc signetur 
Qui denegabit extrudetur. 



Formula Gradus dandi : — 

TjlADEM nos authoritate 

Eeges memorise beatse, 
Pontifices et Papse Iseti, 
Nam alii sunt a nobis spreti, 
Quam quondam nobis indulserunt, 
Qua privilegia semper erunt 
Collegio nostro safe and sound 
As long's the earth and cups go round, 
Te Bogsseum hie creamus, 
Statuimus et proclamamus, 
Artium Magistrum et Doctorem, 
Si libet etiam Proffessorem ; 

1 The battle of Sheriffmuir was fought November 12, 1715. 



158 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 

Tibique clamus potestatem 
Potandi ad hilaritatem, 
Ludeiidi porro et jocandi, 
Et moestos vino medic'andi, 
Doceiidi vera, coinmentandi, 
Ad risiim etiam fabulaiidi. 
In promotionis tuse signum 
Caput lionore tanto dignuni, 
Hac Hedera condecoramus ; 
Ut tibi felix sit, oramus ; 
Preeterea in manum damns 
Hunc calicem ex quo potamus 
Spumantem generoso \T.no, 
Ut bibas more Palatino : 
Sir, pull it off, and on yom- thumb, 
Cernamus supernaculum 
Ut specimen ingenii 
Post studia decennii. 

" When he is drinking the chorus sings — 

En calicem spumantem, 

Falerni epotantem 

En calicem spumantem 

lo, io, io. 

" After he has drunk and turned the glass on his 

thumb, they embrace him and sing again — 

Laudamus bunc Doctorem, 
En fidum compotorem 
Laudamus himc Doctorem, 
Io, io, io. 



XXIII. ELGIN TOWN COUNCIL. 



01 00 



01 18 



" A CoMPTE The Toime of Elgin since the eight of 
Apryl 1G89. Kesting to Kenneth Mackenzie. 

"Elgin, ij. off Janyr. 1693. 

Imprimis, the said day with Sir Eobert Gordon, 
the Provost, and Balie ffiefe, ane chopin of 
seek and ane gill of brandy, .... 

The which day, with the Provest and Bahes, 
when ingadgeing Mr. John Mackean to serve 
at the school of Elgin, ane pynt of seek and 
ane gill of brandy, ..... 

The which day, with Mr. John Mackean at sub- 
scryving of ther take with him, to serve as 
schoolmaster at the Gramer school, ane pynt 
of claret, ane gill of brandy, a pennie for pyps, 
andT, 

The 18 day, at the Cross, at the proclaming of 
King William and Queen Mary, Kinge and 
Queen of Scotland, four pynts of wyn claret. 

To fourteen glasses broke ther, . 

To thirteen pynts of wyn in the house, 

To sixteen pynts at the tonne's bonfier. 

To eight glasses broke ther. 

To four quarts when returned back to the Cross, 

The 26 day, with Major Grahame, ane quart of 

wvn, 02 00 



01 03 



. 04 00 





. 04 04 





. 13 00 





. 16 00 





. 02 08 





, 08 00 






160 SOCIAL LIFE IN FOEMER DAYS. 

To ane quart ale, and ane oat bose for his 

horse, 00 03 b 

To ane half-muchkin of cinanion waiters, . . 01 00 

The first of May, with Captain Clevland, ane 

pyntofwyn, . . . . . . 01 00 

The 4th of May, with the Quartermaster, at the 
wreating of the billets for horse and foot when 
the Generall cam — thrie pynts of hire, . . 00 06 

The 1 5th day of May, to six chopins of mumbire, 
Avith the Provest, Balies, and Sir Eobert Gor- 
done, 01 16 

The 2d of Julie, with Bahe ffieff, Balie OgiUvie, 
and Clarke Andersone, and one of the comand- 
ers that came express from the parliament to 
the Generall and Collonell Leshe, ane pynt of 
seek, 01 16 

The 19th of September, at the makeing of 
Major Eneas M'Kay burgis, to thre pynts of 
seek, ........ 

To almonds and reasins, of each a pound, . 

To orang and lemon piels and cordecitron, of 
each half a pound, ..... 

To ane pynt of claret for the servants. 

To two unces of wax for the bills, 

The 20th of Sept., with the Magistratts and the 
Shireff-Depute, when the oath of alegence was 
tendered, three chopins of seek. 

To the Sherriffe-Clarke, an Eex dollar, 

At the making of Grant's childring, with ther 
attendants, burgissis, sextin pynts and ane 
chopin of secke, . . . . . .29140 

The last of September, with the Magistrats and 
severalls of the Tonne's deacons, after the 
Tonne's mustering, ten pynts and ane chopin 
of secke, 18 00 



05 


08 





01 


10 





01 


12 





01 


00 





00 


06 


8 


02 


14 





02 


18 






SOCIAL LIFE m FOEMER DAYS. 161 

The 2d of October, witli Major ^neas, after the 
Magistrats see his troupe mustered, arte chopin 
of seek, 01 00 

To ane chopin of brandy, with foure nnces of 

s}Tope of clovegillifloor, . . . . 03 00 

* * * * 

The 7th of Apiyl 1 690, with Captain Balfure and 
Captain Polwarte, when ordering ane troope 
to goe to the country, to make room for tuo 
troopes of Major ^neases that ware comeing 
from Invernes, half muchkin of brandy and 
ane unce of suggar, 00 07 

The 30 of Julie, with the Provest, Balie King, 
Mr. Moncrieff, and Mr. Broune, seven much- 
kins off allacants, two muchkins of secke, . 05 08 



Inde, in all, . £268 17 

" The undersubscribers, presentlie Magistrats off 
the brugh off Elgin, having seen and considered the 
whole articles of the within acompt, dew to Bailzie 
M'Kenzie, finds the same advanced to our predeces- 
sors by the said Bailzie M'Kenzie, at ther reasonabill 
and jnst desire, and therefor orders William Eose, 
our present Theasurer, to pay the same (amounting 
to tuo hundreth and sextie- eight punds, seventeen 
shillings Scots), to the said Bailzie M'Kenzie, betwix 
this and the terme off Lambes next to come. 

'' Wm. King, Provest. 
KoB. Innes. 
James Stewart." 

" Elgin, ij off January 1693. 

L 



162 SOCIAL LIFE IX FORMER DAYS. 

We do not know for what offence Mrs. Young was 
publicly flogged : — 

" William Rose, Threasurer. 

"Pay to the toun's officers, for attending the sklaet- 
ters in repareing of the church, and for chargeing the 
toun^s people to red the run of Tayock, and for guaird- 
ing the Marshall at the whiping of John Young's 
woeman, fiftie-sax shilhngs Scots money. As also 
giwe the Marshall twentie shillings Scots money, 
besyds what ye have advanced for tows to him for 
whiping Jon Young's woeman. And theis are your 
w^arrand, given at Elgin 5 July 1693. 

" Jo. EUSSELL. 

Rob. Ixnes." 



" Unto the Right Honourable the Provest, Baillies, 
and Councill of the Burgh of Elgin, the Petition 
of George Hay, Drummer in the said Burgh : 

'' Humblie Sheiveth, 
" That whereas your Honors' petitioner is stressed, 
and daily threatened to prison by certain, his credi- 
tors, ffor severall debts restand be me to them, such 
as housemealls and duties, &c. ; and nottour it is to 
your Honors that there is certain fees resting to me 
be your Honors, as serving the toune of Elgin in the 
station of a drummer for thir severall terms b}^ast, 



I 



SOCIAL LIFE IX FOPvMEK DAYS. 163 

aud that your petitioner lias iioe otliei'\A ay of living 
nor defraying of debts but with the saids fees ; there- 
fore, may it please your Honors to take some method 
for ordring of my payment of a pairt of the saids 
fees, ffor defraying of the saids housemealls, that your 
Honors' petitioner may escape the danger of imprison- 
ment and incarceration, wherewith I am daily threat- 
ened ; that your Honors' petitioner may be the more 
encouraged to doe you service in tymes coming ; as 
also, to order payment for reparation of the drum- 
heads, broken on ffryday's night, by the rable of the 
said burgh of Elgin, as is manifestly known to your 
Honors. And your Honors' petitioner shall ever pray 
for the weelfare and happines of your Honors in all 
tym heiraftr. 

"30 Octr. 1693. — The Counsell appoynts the supli- 
cant to compt with the theserer, before Baillie Eussell, 
and to make report^ the next counsell day. 

"Elgin, ij Dec. 1693. — Baillie Russell reported, that 
after compting with the supplicant, there is found 
resting to him, preceding Mertinmas last, 1693, the 
soum of fourtie-tuo pounds, eight shilling, four pennies, 
which the theserer is appoynted to pay to him, and, in 
tym coming, is appoynted pay to him eight pounds at 
each quarteris end. 

" ROBEET AnDEHSON, 

" Clk. at Comand of the Counsell." 



164 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 

Services rewarded : — 

" William Rosse, Threasurer. 

"Pay the thretie shilling, ten pennies, that was 
spent with the good-fellows that helped me, last night, 
to aprehend men for our parte of the malitia that is 
to be levied, and place it to Tonne's accompt. Given 
under my hand, at Elgin, 26th ffebyr, 1694. 

" Jo. EUSSELL." 



" Unto The Eight Honourable, Provest, Bailies, and 
Counsellers of the Brugh of Elgin, the Supplica- 
catione of Eobert Kear, Alex. Young, Eobert 
Spense, and James Nuckell, your Honors' Offi- 
cers : 

" Hitmhlie Shoiveth, 

" That what fies your Honors ordaines for us we 
ar not payed of it, nor have we nothing to live by ; 
for we are ordered by your Honors to have our fies, 
and we have gotten non of them, since Mertinmas was 
a year ; and your honors knowes what truble we ar at 
when sogers come to toune, for we are struckin and 
beaten be ther officers, and are lyk almost to put us 
to death, because we will not obey them how soon they 
call to get them horse ; and the poor ones crayes out 
aganes us lykwas, as we could helpe them. Yet, not- 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 165 

withstanding, we are geting nothing of our fies, nor of 
our stateter meals, nor so much as to buy shoues to 
our feet. So may it please your Honors to consider 
our steat and condisione, and to order to your poor 
suplicants that which is use and wount to them who 
shall alwayes pray for your Honors. Expecting your 
Honors' favourable ansver. 

"26 Merch 1649. — The CounseU orders the theserer 
to give the suplicants tuentie shillings, each one, with 
fourtein shillings Scots to the Marshall, extending in 
all to four punds, fourteen shillings Scots. Subscr}^ed 
be order and at comand of the CounseU, be 

" Egbert Anderson, CW 



A musical treat : — 

" William Rose, Dean of Gild of Elgin. 

" Sir,— Give Alexr. Glass half ane crowne, for play- 
ing to the Magistrates in Measter Panton's companie 
the other night ; and this shall be your warrand. 

Elgin, 2 2d of Novr. 1694. 

'' James Stewart." 



166 SOCIAL LIFE IX FORMER DAYS. 

Lossiemouth was purchased by the Town of Elgin, 
in the year 1698, from Brodie of Brodie. 

" To the Eight Honourable the Provost, Bailies, 
and Towne Council of Elgin, the Memorial 
and Eepresentation of John Sinclair, Merchant 
there : 

" Humhly Shelve th, 

"That I was employed by the Towne Council to 
journey tlirow^ the Kingdom of Scotland, and collect 
what money could be hade, from parishes and privat 
persons, for the use of the harbour of Lossie, which 
task, tho' very toilsom and fatiguing, als well as pre- 
judicial to my business and affaires at home, I under- 
took and performed ; but, to my great grief and 
surprize, I mett with worse treatment at my returne 
(by the malicious insinuations of designing invidious 
neighbours, who accused me as guilty of conceal- 
ments in the money received), than I did in all my 
journey, and how farr their accusations were made 
good your Honors best know, who have given sen- 
tence against them on that head. 

" The accompts, charge and discharge of all the 
money received and given out, having been given in to 
the Councill, and Comittee haveing perused the same, 
their report was given in. and approved ; but since it 
hath pleased your Honors to make a review of the 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 167 

said accompts, I humbly begg leave, for my own 
defence and vindication, to justifie my conduct in 
severall of the contraverted articles ; hopeing your 
justice will agree therto, when I give reasonable evi- 
dence therfor. 

'•' The first article contraverted, being the manten- 
ance of the horse and servant at Elgin, it is answered 
that the raesone of my stay at Elgin for some time 
after the Councirs Act, was not only the long time 
w^hich the writting of the letters took up, but also 
ane excessive storme wdiich for many weeks lay at 
that time, and the horse, being bought immediatly 
upon the Councils Act, behooved to be maintained 
and to have a servant to take care of him, since it 
is not to be supposed 1 could waite on him my selfe. 

" To the nixt article of the boot of the horse ex- 
changed, it is answered that the exchanging of the 
horse w^as meer necessity and not choise, for, by sick- 
ness, he was turned so low he would not serve my 
turne, wherby I behooved to have another. The 
articles of the saddle, comb, brush, and clockbag, 
these w^ere, all, things wdiich could not be wanted to 
a journeying man, and are readie to be given in to 
the Town's use, since they were bought and used for 
their service. 

"As to the servant's wages and cloathes, I answer 
there was a necessity for mee to have a servant to 
runn with me in such ane indirect journey, and I 



168 SOCIAL LIFE m FOKMEK DAYS. 

could not but give servant-fees and cloathes, so that 
I am perswaded upon second thoughts that article 
will be found als resonable as any in all my accompt. 
" As to the writting and number of the letters so 
much quarrelled, I answer that that method was 
judged be the, then, Magistrates to be the most pro- 
per way to address noblemen and gentlemen, and I 
humbly conceive that the Magistrates signing these 
letters, does sufficiently vindicate mee from any fault 
in that point ; and that I paid the whole money 
charged, is clear by Alexr. Christie's recept ; and since 
I could not carry the whole number of letters my 
selfe, was oblidged to send part therof be Alexander 
Bawer, to Edinburgh, before mee. 

" My charges at Banff was no wayes unnecessary, 
being occasioned through the waiting on the Magis- 
trates there, and staying for Mr. James Urquhart, who 
was out of town. 

" To the three quarreled articles of my stay at 
Aberdeen, Glasgow, and Edinburgh, I answer as fol- 
lows, viz. : — when I came to Aberdeen I made appli- 
cation to the Provost, who promised to aquaint the 
Councill of my busines, first Councill day, but, before 
that hapned, the oath of abjuration being enacted by 
the Parliament did stumble severall of the members, 
so that for severall weeks there was no meeting of 
Councill, which forced mee to a tedious attendance 
there ; and when the Councill mett I could procure 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 169 

nothing from their pubHck, but tooke another method 
of accosting particukr persons by the means of my 
friends, and sohciting the Deacons, which consumed 
a great deal of time ; and tho the event did not anser 
expectation, it was not for want of dilligence and 
apHcation on my parte. 

" My stay and time at Glasgow w^as occasioned by 
the diversity of persons in publick trust, to whom I 
behooved necessarly to address myselfe — namely, first, 
to the Provost, who advised me to speak to each 
Baillie and Councellor, which I accordingly did, and 
my busines was not determined the first Council-day ; 
nixt, I was advised by the Dean of Gild, in my appli- 
cation to the merchants house, to speak severally to 
the members before they mett, which I did ; and, 
lastlie, was advised by the Deacon Conviner to speak 
to the Deacons old and new, who took very much time 
to consult with their severall trades. So all this being 
but preparative to the receiving of money, was the 
most prudent and profitable way I could take, which 
made the receiving of the money take up but litle 
time afterwards. 

" My stay at Edinburgh was occasioned by these 
causes : first, it was three weeks' time before the 
Council's order could be procured on the Chamber- 
Ian ; and, nixt, it was many dayes after, e're he payed 
the money. I was at much paines, not only with the 
Dean of Faculty and advocats, but with the trades, 



170 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 

as Mr. Coiiper and Deacon Anderson know very well ; 
and I left no stone unturned to come speed there, and, 
I believe, Mr. Couper's letter, written to the Councill, 
doeth sufficiently justifie my management while at 
Edinburgh. 

" It would be tedious to putt into writt the causes 
of my stay at Montrose, Aberbrothock, and Dundee, 
but I am ready to satisfie the Council by word of 
mouth. 

" My returne to Aberdeen was no wayes unneces- 
sary ; for, first, I could not cross the Cairn, for snow ; 
and, nixt, I received money from the Old Town Col- 
ledge and from my Lord Daskford, in my return that 
way ; as also, returned ane letter, from the Magistrates 
of Banff, containing ane assignment to a collection 
of theii-s here ; and some others subscreived my book, 
which is yett to be seen, 

" In generall, I answer, to the haiU other articles, that 
my charges were no wayes extra wagant, and are what, 
I belive, few privat men could trawell cheaper ; and if 
it be considered what circles and turns I was obliged 
to make in such a journey, — sometimes stopt by bad 
weather, other times by sickness, and very often by 
disappointments, and the confusion occasioned by the 
Invasion, it will not be wondred the affair took up 
so much time. 

"And wheras the report of the Committee doeth 
allow mee no charges, where I stayed at ane gentle- 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 171 

man's house all night, I answer it is only stated for the 
expense of that day, and that, whither I lived gratis at 
night or not, I behooved to have something all day." 



Mr. Eobertson gave in liis petition about the year 
1715, we think : — 

"To the Honourable the Provost, Bailies, and Councell 
of Elgin e, the Petition of Mr WiliaDi Robertson, 
Master of the Grammar School of Elgine : 

" Humbly Shevjeth, 
" That I have been two severall presbytry dayes 
conveined before the presbytry of Elgine, to subscribe 
the Confession of Faith ; and, although at the first 
presbytry, they allowed me a time to advise there- 
anent, yet, at the last presl)ytry, when I offered to 
give in, in write, some scruples I had against severall 
articles of the said Confession, which I could not com- 
ply with in point of conscience (and so till they should 
satisfe me thereanent, I could not subsciribe the said 
Confession of Faith as the confession of my faith, 
unless I had acted the part of a very great hypocrite), 
they would not hear any of my scruples, nor enter 
upon giving me satisfaction thernent, but would pro- 
ceed as far as they could to depose me from being 
schoolmaster. And seeing the presbytry of Elgine 
are dealing more rigorously with me than with any of 



172 SOCIAL LIFE IN FOEMER DAYS. 

my predecessors, sclioolmasters here (neither of whom 
ever subscribed the said Confession of Faith), and 
that, I am informed, they are to use the utmost of 
their power and law to get me deposed from being 
schoolmaster of Elgin, therefore, and for preventing 
of the Honourable the Magistrats and Councel of 
Elgine their being at pains and expenses, in main- 
taining and defending me in the possession of the 
school of Elgin and benefices thereof, I do by these, 
(with all deference and love to the Honourable Burgh, 
and hail members thereof, and with regret that I 
should have been placed amongst so good and worthie 
a society, and yet oblidged to leave them when, in 
conscience, I cannot comply with that which I think 
not just) willingly and freely, from this date for- 
ward, renounce all interest and right I have or had, as 
being schoolmaster of Elgin, to and in favours of the 
Magistrats and Couneell of Elgine and their successors 
in office. 

" May it therefore please your Honors to accept 
of this my renounciation, and provide for 
yourselves such a qualified schoolmaster as 
may please the Burgh, and presbytry, of 
Elgin ; and I ever am, 

'' Eight Honourable, 
" Your most obedient humble servant, 

" Wm. Eobertsok" 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 173 

Free trade not approved of by the Elgin autho- 
rities : — 

" To Archibald Dunbar of Newton, Esq. 

" Elgin, 20th March 1738. 

" Sir, — There is a complaint given in to ns, by our 
ffiscall and taxman of our pettie Customs, against the 
fishers in Burghsea, Cousea, and Stotfield, for their 
selling of fish without bringing the same to the fish 
mercate of Elgin and making offer of them to the 
Guildry ; and, as our predecessors in office have been, 
time out of mind, by virtue of charters ffrom the 
Crown, in use and wont to judge in such complaints, 
either at Burghsea, Cousea, or Stotfield, so we have 
wrote you this, to acquaint you that wee are to judge 
in this complaint upon Wednesday next, the twenty- 
second current, and to hear partys therupon at Burgsea, 
when and where you will be very wellcome to see your 
people gett justice. We are. Sir, your most humble 
servants, the Provost and Baillies of Elgin, 

'/ Ja : Innes. 

James Stephen. 

Will. Anderson. 

George Wilson, Senior. 

George Wilson, Junior." 



174 SOCIAL LIFE IX FORMER DAYS. 

PreTentive measures : — 

" To Sir Alex. Dunbar. Baronett. Duffiis. 

" Elgix, 'th January 1783. 

" Sir, — At the desire of the Magistrates, Council, 
and Incorporations of Elgin, and l)y their authority, 
I use the freedome of applpng to you for your farms,^ 
for the support of the inhabitants of Elgin, as there is 
appearance of scarcity in the country, and they wish 
to secure some supplys, and guard against any want. 
They therefore request, that you will say, nearly, what 
quantity of meal, bear, or oats you can spare them ; 
and the lowest price : and your payments shall be 
good I have the honour to be, for the magistrates 
of Elgin, Sii', your most obedient and most humble 
servant, Geo. Browx, Provost." 

1 The word " farms" often meant the grain paid as rent to the 2)ro- 
prietor of an estate. 



XXIV. INCORPOEATED TRADES OF ELGIN. 

The tradesmen, or crafts, in Elgin, were long kept 
in a kind of serfdom by the Magistrates of the town. 
About the year 1675, however, they placed the regula- 
tion of their affairs in the hands of " Deacons" chosen 
by themselves : — 

" For their much honored and very loving neighbours, 
The Provost and Bailzies off Inverness. 

" Elgin, 2oth October 1675. 

" Much honoeed and loveing nighbouhs, — Yours 
we received, dated the twentie-third of October in- 
stant, whairin you desyre the double of ane condi- 
scendance, past betwixt the Counsell and the crafts of 
the said burgh, anent deaconrie ; as also, ane double of 
ane late condiscendance, and the back bond from them 
to the Counsell, upon their deportment to the Magis- 
trates and Counsell. As for anser theirto, you shall 
know their was never any generall, or particular, con- 
discendance, betwixt us and them, that might doe pre- 
judice to magistracie or gildrie in any burgh, far less 
to us. Only, in respect of the multiplicitie of crafts- 
men, inhabiting within this burgh, ^^hich are our 



176 SOCIAL LIFE m FORMER DAYS. 

greatest numbers (we haveing no great trade of mer- 
chandising be sea or land), we passied to lett tbem 
have some order amongst themselves for regulating 
of their crafts ; who hitherto have carried so civillie, 
that in all their just interests they have not been 
troublesome to us, which is the only true accompt we 
can give to you, much honored. 
" Your loveing freinds and neighbours to serve yow, 
" The Provost and Bailzies of Elgin. 

" Subscryved be our Clerk of Court at our command 
(the Provest being unweill). 

" Jo. Chalmers, Clk" 

" Much honored, — I am ordered to show you that 
any articles of agriement that first was made with the 
crafts, was shortlie therafter declared null, be reason 
of some miscariages of theirs, and no agrement past 
since that tyme. Jo. Chalmers, Clk." 



Probably on account of the " miscariages," the crafts 
were prevented from holding meetings where the Pro- 
vost and Bailies had jurisdiction. The old kirk at the 
Greyfriars, still a beautiful ruin, seems not to have 
been repaired. It was converted into a mausoleum by 
Williaui King of Newmiln, who purchased the property 
from the heirs of John Patersone, Bishop of.Eoss. 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 177 

"Att Elgin the twentie-two day of ffebruary six- 
teen liundered and seventie-six yeares, in presence of 
James Chalmer, younger, Deacon Conveener of the 
Crafts of the said burgh, Gavin AYatsone, deacon of 
the glovers, AYalter Smith, of the hamermen, Alex- 
ander Winchester, of the talzors, Thomas Geddes, of 
the square wrights, John Purse, of the wyvers, and 
Leonard Peddie, deacon of the shoomakers of the said 
buro^h. 

" The said day the Deacon Conveener and deacons 
of the crafts, above named, having obteined for them- 
selves, ther respective crafts, and their sucessors, 
ffrom the Eight Eeverend ffather in God, John, be 
the mercie of the same. Lord Bishop of Rosse, here- 
table proprietar of that mannor-place, with the per- 
tinents therof, lyand on the south syde of the burgh 
of Elgin, comonlie called the Grayffriars, the libertie, 
use, and attolerance of the old Kirk, pertining to 
the said mannor, called the Grayfriar Kirk ; with 
power to the said crafts to build and repair the 
same, or anie part therof, as they shall find niedfuU, 
and to make use of the same for their counsell and 
meeting place, to all intents and purposes relating to 
civill affaires onlie, as the attoUerance granted be the 
said reverend father to the said crafts, of the date the 
fortenth day of ffebruary instant, in itself e at more 
length beares. And becaus the said Reverend ffather 
has, out of his Lordship's meerc kyndnes, favor, and 

M 



178 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 

guidwill, granted the forsaid attoUerance to the forsaid 
crafts, therfore they obleise them, and ther sucessors, 
to remove from, and leave void and red, the forsaid 
kirk, called the Grayfrier Kirk, in alse guid case as 
the same is at present, and that at any tyme or terme 
it shall please the said reverend father, or his Lord- 
ship's aires, assinees, and sucessors, to require them to 
that effect, upon ffourtie dayes premonitione. 

'' Extract out of the book of the crafts and ordi- 
nances of the Deacon Conveener of the Crafts of 
the burgh of Elgin. 

" J A. Chalmer, Conveener. 
Jo. MuiRSONE, Clk. to the Crafts of Elgin,'' 



XXV. AN INVERNESS BAILIE'S ADVICE 

AND ASSISTANCE. 

Caution on the delicate subject of a projected 
matrimonial alliance : — 

■ Fcr his Wortliie, Estemed, Good ffrind, 

"James Dunbar, Merclmnd inii Inverness. 

" HosEHALL, this "Jth of Janam-y 1676. 

"Bailie James, — Knowing ye are my frind, and 
presuming upon experince of former curtisis, I mak 
bold with yow to requist this favor off yow, in behallfi' 
of a frind of myn, that ye wold tak your owen secret 
and prudentiall way, to be trewly informd how James 
Robertson was lefFt be his umqll (late) father ; what 
his father was ; whither what he had was his owen pur- 
chas, or lefft him by liis parants ; iff he was in burding 
when he deied, aither by his owen contracting or 
cationre for frinds ; how he lefft his wyff and childring 
provoyded ; who exersd the ofece off executor, and 
how it is dischargd ; how this yowng man hath de- 
mend himselff since his father's deth ; what childring 
ther is besyds himsellff ; what he was realy lefft to be 
his father, and how he hath improven it since his deth ; 



180 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 

what his mother lyff- rents, and iff shee be securd and 
satisfyd therin, and of the points off movabls ; what 
her nem is, and who's dochter ; iff he hath beine in 
sute of aney other befor, and what terms was offred or 
desird ; what his father, and also him sellff, folowd in 
ordinary imployment and treding ; what thos tenne- 
ments ar that he hath, and how they ar imployd ; what 
ther rent may be worth besyd what is his mother's lyff- 
rent ; what is reported he hath besyds, and off his owen 
purchas, and how he is to bestow it or lay it forth. 
Bailie, its likly ye know much of this yer sellff, but 
what ye know not, I pray you, in as grytt secresie as 
can be, inform yer sellff, and be at pains to give me 
ane particular acompt. I doe not quistion but the 
young man mit be ingeneus to satisfye me him sellff, 
and I could trust his owen word : but not thinking^ it 
fitt to inter tine him with interagats, and heaving the 
happenes of yor good acquantance, resolvid, for my 
owen and others, hir frinds, satisfaction, to lay the 
truble heroff upon you; knowing, as ye are wise, will 
wisly goe about it. Be intreted, lett no bodey know 
off it ; butt when ye heave perusd the leter burn it. 
The young woman he seeks for is Lilias, my wyff's 
sister's dochter, that is with, dear Bailie, yor afecteonat 
reall frind. Will. Bailie. 

'' Pray let not the berer know his erand to you, and 
dispatch him so sune as posil.^le. If ye wold favor me 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 181 

with what ye know of his natural inclinations, his 
Cristian way, and converse, ye wold grytly oblidg me, 
for if that be good, some want as to the other wold be 
the easir past." 



Answer to the above : — 

" Invernes, 2Qith January 1676. 

" Sir, — Yors I receaved, and has considered the con- 
tents therof. For answer, I cannot in ane short tyme 
give yow so particullar and exack acompt of that gen- 
tleman as you desyre, onlie of what I know, I shall, as 
foUowes : — 1st, His father dyed one of the bailies of 
tliis brugh, ane gentleman of good credit and respect, 
and most of what he haid was his owin purchass, as I 
am informed. 2d, As to his burdin when he dyed, I 
heard litle or nothing of it, of his owin contracting ; 
and as cationer for his freinds, I know no freind heir 
he would engaidge for, but such as were in good con- 
ditione, so that he nor his could suffer no loss therby. 
3cZ, As to the provisione of his wyf and children, and 
how they were left, of that I cannot give ane accompt, 
but, as I am informed, ther was no provisione to the 
children but what James pleases , and as to his wyfe, 
she is infeft but in one tenement of land. 4:tJiUe, 
Know that James did enter det, and how it is dis- 
charged I know not. bthlie, As to his cariadge since 
his father's death, I know nothing, nor heard, but that 
he has demend himself Christianlie and soberlic, and 



182 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMEE, DAYS. 

is of ane frugall and vertous disj^ositione. QtJilie, As 
to the children, they are two boys besyds him, but no 
daughters. Ithlie, As to his mother's name, it is 
Margrat Patirsone, daughter to ane toune's man 
heir, whom I did not know. Sthlie, As to his being 
in suite of ane other befor, that I heard nothing of. 
9thl{e, as to what was his father's, and his owin, ordi- 
nare imployment, his father was ane merchent, and 
therafter turned ane labourer, wictuall buyer, and 
keeped ane malt kilne, which imployment his sone 
foUoweth, being the onlie best with uss in this place. 
lOthlie, as to these tenements he hath, I cannot give 
ane particular accompt what they are worth or what 
rent they pay, but sure I am they are considerable, 
and he improvs them to the best, llthlie, As to what 
he has besyds, as to that I cannot give ane accompt, 
only that he is in credit and folows his imployment. 
This is the greatest acompt I can give at the time ; 
only that, in my judgement, ane gentlewoman may 
like Weill to be his wyfe, haveing the blissing of God. 
I add no f order, but that I am, &c., 

" James Dunbar." 



We trust that the " Captin " sent a handsome 
" tokin" to his sister : — 

"Inverness, 28 June 1678. 

" Memorandum. — William Eoss, burges and drumer 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FOEMER DAYS. 183 

in TnTerness, as fFoUowes to James Dunbar, elder, mer- 
chant tlier : — 

Item, pleases God to send you to London, ye wil be pleased 
to buy, for my use, — 

Item, two poynts stoups of the best tin. 
Item, two cliapin stoups of the best — conform. 
Item, two quarter muclikin stoups — conform. 
Item, three hansum candlsticks of brese. 
Item, two peires drum cords, conform to the sample heer 
inclosed. 

" And be pleased to receave three pair white plaids, 
and sell the same to the best vantage. And if yee 
meet Captin James Dunbar, my good brother, be 
pleased to present my respects, and my wyfs respects 
to him ; and if yee meet Captin James Dunbar, if he 
send a tokin to his sister, I recomend it to yor self ; 
and if ther be any superplus in the pryce of the plaids, 
buy a pettiecoat to my wyf, and what shall be dew by 
me to you, efter compt, it shall be payit — thankfuUie 
payit be yor lowing freind to serve you, to my power, 

" W. R" 



The reverend author s book has not come down to 
posterity : — 

" For James Dunbar, Baily of Inverness and 
Laird of Dalcross — These : 

" Inveener, 17 fh Octoher 1605. 

" Cousin, — Lest you should pretend ignorance 
(which your words did insinuate last night) of my 



184 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 

errand to LoncloD, I thought fit to acquaint you that 
my business there, at this time, is a design I have to 
offer my book to be printed, since I cannot get it 
done here, the poverty of our nation not allowing our 
printers to expend money and be out of it for a con- 
siderable time, though the prospect were never so 
great, and that they should have it again with centuple 
profit. I dare not, 1 will not urge you to do anything 
against the grain ; but once for all, I think it would 
be worth your while to right me so far at least, at 
this juncture, as to advance my money a forthnight 
before the time, which was so often kept from me 
fortnights after the term. Eemeuiber, cousin, it is 
God's business that I am about, and your errand may 
come His way yet. Truly, if you laid out the whole 
sum necesarry, you are far more beholding to Him. 
As for me, whatever you do, I hope His will shall be 
mine. It may be, if I should go up in this ship, I 
may come back again, re infecta, and so blemish my 
repute, and wound my purse. As for this last, look 
to Psal. XXX vii. v. 3,^ which is the charter that God has 
given me in (I had almost said miraculously) a great 
strait. And as for the first, the old saying will salve 
all. In magnis voluisse sat est. 

" Your affectionate cousin and humble servant, 

" Robert Dunbar." 

1 " Trust in the Lord, and do good ; so sLalt thou dwell in the land, 
and verily thou shalt be fed." 



XXVI. MERCHANTS' LETTEES. 

A London built carriage arrives, in January 17 L7, 
at Findliorn. 

" To the Much Honoured 

" The Laird of Tiiundertoun, 

" att Duffes. Per Exspress. 

" fFoRKES, Jan. 4:th, 1717. 

"Much HonouPvED Sie, — The sliipe I expected 
from London arrived at ffindhorn yesterday morne- 
ing. At niglit, I went down and found your chereoat 
placed on the decke, soe that noe work can be don 
either in livering or loading, untill she be teaken 
away ; for that cawse, would intreat yow will send 
horses, to-morow, for cearyeing it off. If your con- 
veneancie could allow, its proper yow be their your 
self I understand the chereoat is very fine. If you 
will come to ffindhorn, to-morow, aquent me, and I 
will meake it my bussness to wait of you. 

" I am, with my most dewtyfuU respects, Sir, your 

most oblidged servant, 

" Will. Dawson." 



186 SOCIAL LIFE rx FORMER DAYS. 

" To the Laird of Thundertoun, 

" at Duffus. 

"Edinburgh, December 21 tli, 1719. 

"Dear Sir, — Yours of the 17tli curent I reeved 
by the bearer, with a bill of forty pounds sterling on 
Sir Thomas Calder, which he sayes he will pay. I 
had likeways yours in course, by post, with bill of 
fifty pounds sterling on Mr. Arbuthnott, which is 
paid. Shall wait your orders for both. Noe word 
of the Shereff as yet. Shall wait on him when he 
comes. Eeceive the scarlet cloath and gold lace. 
There is noe scarlet stockings with a gold-coloured 
gushett, to be had at this place ; nor noe scarlet stock- 
ing that is fine, to be had here, either with or without 
a coloured gushett ; for what wee have here is not 
above six shillings from London, which cannot be fi,ne, 
for scarlet. I had the offer of tw^o or three pair with 
white gushett, but they were small sised, and you 
desire them large, so did not send them, both for the 
sise and gushett. Sir Thomas Calder sent a sadle for 
you, with his own things, more than six weeks ago. 
Nellie is very weill, and both she and Jaessie has 
their humble service to ladie and selfe ; and many 
happie new years to ladie, selfe, and familie, is the 
constant wish of both, and of your most humble 
servant, Tho. Gordon." 

" Inclosed is a letter from Bailie Gordon, with a 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 187 

bill of a builder pound sterling, on Sir Eobert Gordon, 
from bis brotber Lewis, wliicli is sent for acceptance. 

" I bave given tbe bearer eigbtein pence, so count 
accordinglie. 

" I bave sent a pair of stockings at venture. If 
does not please, may dispose of tbem to a mistress." 



'• The Much Honoured 

" Mr. Archibald Dunbar, 

'• off Thundertoun. 

"ffoRTROSE, 2QfJi Septr. 1723, KS. 

" Sir, — In obedience to your desyre, doe send you 
one bogsbead claret, and one balf bogsbead wbyte 
wine ; two els cambrick ; six barrels containing five 
bolls Spanisb salt ; w^itb two loafes of fine sugar, 
wxigbing eleven pounds one ounce, and two loafes 
course, weigbing tbirteen pounds seven ounces ; tbere 
is neitber brandy or iren to be bade in tbis place. In- 
closed you bave tbe skyper s receipt for tbe goods. 

" Sir Kennetb Mackenzie off Cromerty is bere, and 
desyres you may send bim over your servant witb tbe 
borse, you promised bim, and by tbe same servant be 
w^U send you bis borse. I received, in pairt payment 
off tbe above goods, tbree pound fifteen sbillings in 
casb, witb Incbcoulter s bill for seven pound seven 
sbillings sterling. Iff in any tiling I can serve you, 
freely remind me. My wife and I makes offer off our 
most bumble duty to yourself and good lady, and I 



188 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 

most respectfully am, Sir, your most obedient and 
very mucli obliged humble servant, 

" William Tolmie. 

'' P.S. — The bearer desyred one hundred weight of 
sugar, but not knowing whether it was fine or course 
you wanted, made me send you two loafes of each 
kynd. 

" Sir William is, this night, here, and is to be, to- 
morrow, at Kessock, upon a tryst. I cannot miss to 
tell you that he is alarmed with a ffoolish information 
off a landing in the Highlands. This story proceeds 
from Culkairn, who went with it to Inverness, and 
theirfrom forwarded ane express about it to London. 
I hear Sir William^s tryst, to-morrow, is in order to 
take affidavits upon the contrary, the story being 
actually falss, for we are ashured that there is no 
such thing." 



Mrs. Fraser was in an "interesting situation;" 
hence the fear " that she would liver her loading." 

" Archibald Dunbar of Duffus, Esq., 

" To the care of William Belcher, 
" at Elgin. 

" Inverness, 2lst Aug. 174L 

" Sir, — I sent last night, aboard Alexander Prott's 
boat, twelve ston butter, contained in your own cask 
and an anker of my wife's. She choosed it, and is 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FOEMER DAYS. 189 

the best cam to our fair, but the dearest ever bought 
at a Martimas market. It cost seven merks the ston, 
all owing to some Murray lairds' servants sent here, 
who stood at no price ; and the extravagance of it 
made my wife and me not buy any for your mother, 
as you can supply her till next mercat, when, I am 
persuaded, it will be much cheaper, as the most of 
the commissions from the east, if not all, are answered. 
The fellow refused to bring your timber with him, 
after sending it to the shore, so must wait the first 
occasion of a boat. Mr. Inglish is to send your goods 
with other peoples by a boat, this night or to-morrow. 
My wife desires that your lady cause repack the butter 
in a closs cask, with a rum head, with an aimed skin 
'twixt the head and cask, and take out a ston at once, 
to prevent often opening or winding it. I expected, 
that night she came from the mercat, that she would 
liver her loading. She joins me in offering our best 
respects to you and your lady, and I am your most 
obedient servant, Willm. Fraser. 

" P.S. — I received seven pounds by the post, and I 
shall send you, by next or following post, accompt of 
what was given out, and either remitt you, or retain, 
the balance for buying the remainder of the butter at 
next mercat. The boatman by whom you wrote would 
neither wait butter or timber." 



190 SOCIAL LIFE IN FOEMEE DAYS. 

" To Archibald Dunbah, 

'• of Newton, Esq., at Duffiis. 

" fiNUHORNE, \Qth January 1741. 

" Honored Sie, — I was obliged to come here, this 
day, and be here, the morrow, all day, setling accompts 
of consequence. However, as I promised in my last, 
I now run you this express, showing I am still satis- 
fied to give you eight pound Scots per boll of your 
bear, and eight pounds for the boll of your victuall 
oats, to the extent of ffour hundered bolls of each, 
all good, and sufficient well dight, wholesome victuall, 
deliverable to me on the shoar of ffindhorne, any 
time 'twixt the date hereof and fifteenth Aprile next, 
wind and weather serving ; tho' I will take it sooner 
if the winde permit. And I hereby oblige myself 
to pay you the one half the value at Whitesunday 
next, the other half at Martimas thereafter ; and to 
give you a hogshead claret, the first I bring home, 
at prime cost and charges. Your answer will deter- 
mine me, and this shall be binding on me as if on 
stampt, I say, as if on stampt paper. If you think 
this not so full, make out a copy, and I shall write 
over same and return it you, Munday next, since I 
must be at Blackstob, then and Tuesday, at a roup, 
and to take possession of Baker's land and mill by 
instrumicnt. Believe me, for certain, that grain is 
falen, and dayly falling in England, and if you don't 
see the mercat fall, after this month and next, I will 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 191 

peirill my ear. I make ofier of my compliments to 
Mrs. Dunbar and self, and am, honored Sir, your 
most obedient humble servant, 

" John Frigge. 

" Send a servant to my house, on Munday, for a 
peck aples, fflanders, for Mrs. Dunbar." 



w 



XXVII. EECEIPTS AND ACCOUNTS. 

These merchant tailors speak as if their firm were 
older than the globe which we inhabit : — 

" Bee it knowne unto all men by theis presents 
that wee, Henry Ashhurst and Nicholas Gregson of 
London, citizens and merchant taylors, do by theis 
presents, remise, and release and discharge Alexander 
Dunbar of, and from, all bills, bonds, reckinings, ac- 
compts, and demands, whatsoever, from the begining 
of the world to the day of the date of theis presents. 
In witnesse whereof, we, the said Henry Ashhurst and 
Nicholas Gregson, have hereunto, interchangably, put 
our hands and scales, this twentith day of July 1662, 
and of Eex Carolus Secundus, decimo quarto. Sealed 
and delivered in the presence of 

" H. Ashhurst. 



Ni. Gregson. 



Kich. Salvonsvall. 
Hen. Ashhurst, junior." 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FOEMEE DAYS. 193 

Printed schedule filled in by Mr. Dumbrake, whose 
treasure may have been in heaven : — 

"Eeceived from Alexr. Dumhixike, in ffocJiahers, no 
wife, no stock, no trade, in Bellie parish in Banff-dme, 
the sum of six shilling Scott, being the pole-money as 
he has classed ^zm-self, as witness my hand at ffoch- 
ahers, the fifteenth day of December 1694. 

" ThO : TURNBULL." 



A yearly pensioner : — 

" I, Mr. Hew Dalrymple of North Berwick, advocat, 
grant me, be thir presents, to have received from Wil- 
liam Innes, writer in Edinburgh, in name and behalf 
of Sir Eobert Gordon of Gordonstoun, ten guineas in 
gold, and that as a year's pension, due by him to me, 
as his advocat from the first day of January instant, 
to the first of January nixt, 1698; and therefor I, be 
thir presents, discharge the saids William Innes, Sir 
Eobert Gordon, and all others whom it efieirs, of the 
said year's pension, for now and ever. In witnes 
wherof I have subscrived thir presents (writen be 
John Crawford, my servitor), with my hand, at Edin- 
burgh, the twentieth eight day of January jay vie, 
nynty seven years (1697), before these witness, Thomas 
Ingles, also my servitor, and the said John Crawfurd. 

" Hew Dalrymple. 
" Tho. Inglis, witnes. 

Jo. Crawfurd, ivitnes. 

N 



194 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 

*' Wee, John Crawfurcl and Thomas Ingles, servitors 
to Mr. Hew Dahymple of North Berwick, advocat, 
grant us to have received from William Innes, writer 
in Edinburgh, six rix dollars, in name and behalf of 
Sir Eobert Gordon of Gordonstoun, and that as an 
allowance granted by him to us yearly, from the first 
of January instant, to the first of January nixt to 
com, as attendino; and manaoing; his aff'airs under the 
said Mr. Hew, our master ; and therefor wee, be tliir 
presents, discharge the saids William Innes, Sir Eobert 
Gordon, and all others whom it eff'eirs, of the samen, 
for now and ever. In witnes wherof we have sub- 
scry ved thir presents (writ en be the said John Craw- 
furd), with our hands, at Edinburgh, the twentieth eight 
day of January jay vie, nynt}^ seven years (1697). 

" Jo. Ceawfurd. 
" Tho. IngHs." 



General assortment : — 

" The Laird of Thunderton, his account to William 
Dawson, Forres : — 

1709. Then delivered you when in company 
Oct. 12. with Mpdand, ane loafe double re- 
fined shougar, weighteiug five pound 
four ounce, at eighteen pence per 

pound, is . . . . .£0 7 10 
1710. 

April! 1 1 . To ane pound of green tea, is . .15 

To ane fine silk napkine, is . .056 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FOKMER DAYS. 195 

1712. 
July 16. Then sent two oacken plankes, at five 

shillings per piece, . . .£0 10 

At the same time, four and a half 
poLincl wheat soape, at sixteen pence 
per pound, is . . . .060 

Aug. 1 7. Then sent you ane pound coffie bens, 

is 7 6 

1714. Ane quare fine writing paper, . . 10 
May 18. To ane English Cheasser cheess, 
weighteing twenty five and three 
quarter pounds, at five pence per 

pound, is 10 8 

At the same time, ane ancor brandy, . 3 10 
To four botls fair drops, . . .040" 



Items from an Elgin tailor's account (the money 
is Scots) : — 

" Accompt — The much Hon. the Laird of Thunder- 
toun to William Blennshell. 

Janoary 1719. 
To making an scarlet clok to yer Laidy, . 
To making an stiched night-goun to hir Leship, 
To turning goun and coat of silk stuff to hir, . 
To covering of ane furred cloak to hir, 
To silk to the two cloks and two gouns and coat, 
To five els riben to the foot of the above coat, 
To making over again ane caligo goun and coat 

to Mrs. Betie, 01 04 

To making over again goun and coat to INIrs. 

Rebeca, 01 10 



lb. 


sh. 


d. 


01 


10 





01 


00 





01 


16 





00 


16 





01 


08 





00 


15 






196 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 



To thred to Mrs. Bettie's, and silk to Mrs. Ee- 
beka's goun and coat, .... 

March 1719. 
To making an pair stiched stees to Mrs. Bettie, 
To making an pair stiched stees to Mrs. Eebeca, 
To making an pair stiched stees to Mrs. ISTell, 
To making an mid coat to yer Laidy, with gold 
leace, 

May 1719. 
To making an blak and whyt night-gonn to 
yer Laidy, . . 

Agust 1719. 
To widning of an mid coat to yer Laidy, . 
To ten ells wad to hir clok and night-gonn, 
To turning of an big coat to yer self, 
To an ell bnkrum and three unces hare, . 
To the working of the buttons, 
To the altering of the sieves of Mrs. Bettie's and 

Mrs. Eebeca's blak and whyt gonnd, and 

silk to do it, . 
To making an scarlet west to yer self, with silk 

and mul, ...... 

To the widening of an scarlet coat to yer Laidy, 
To the turning of an sill^ goun and coat to Mrs. 

Bettie, 

Janury 1720. 

To dying of threttie els of sairg red, with thrie 
pair stokins, ther being nineteen pund 
weight of it, and wefing and pressing. 

To muilds and stey teps, .... 

To an pair lether breches to Thomas Shaw, 



lb. 


sh. 


d. 


00 


18 





12 


00 





12 


00 





10 


00 






00 12 

00 18 

00 08 
03 00 
02 08 

01 12 
00 17 6 

00 18 

00 12 

00 06 

01 10 



18 00 

00 08 

01 04 0= 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 197 

Shoemaker s account : — 

" Accompt — Mr. Archbald Dunbar of Thundertun 
to James Craigo. 

1717. ffeb. Ane pair of boots, your honor, .£01 00 00 
ditto, Ane pair of strong shoes, . . 00 05 06 

1718. Jan. Ane pair of strong, or pair of Mara- 

ken, shoes with tops, . . 00 10 00 
ffeb. Ane pair of seamed Maraken shoes, 

your Lady, . . . . 00 03 00 
Mar. Ane pair of slijoers witlf heils, . 00 05 00 
Aug. Ane pair of button boots, your 

honor, 00 16 00 

ditto, Ane pair of calf leather shoes with 

tops, 00 05 00 



£03 04 06 



''Edinburgh, Ath August 1718. — Receved the above 
contents, and all precidings, per me, 

" James Craigo." 



Saddler's account : — 

" Lairi) of Thunderton, DeUer, 

To Patrick Chrichton. 
1731. £ 5. d. 
Sept. 4, Mne ounces of silk freinge, . . .17 
Lyning for a houzen and bags, and mak- 
ing them, 14 

Six and a half yeards of white silk wating, Oil 
Pistol shanks, 1 G 



198 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMEU DAYS. 



A king's hunting saddle, with large stir- 
rups and leathers, girth and curple, .£116 
A pellem bridle, . . . . .046 
A pair of houlsters and belte, . . .050 
A suitt of neats leather covers for the 

honzen and bags, . ... .0160 

A silver-buttond whip, . . . .056 



Sum, 



£5 10 



''Edinburgh, 7th Sept 1731. — Eeceved the con- 
tents, and all prece dings, by me, 

"Pat. Chrichton." 



We are forcibl}^ reminded of the judicial wig : — 
■' Mr. Dumbae, DeUer, 



To Francis Jeffrey, Wigmaker. 



Jamy. 12th, 1753. To a fair cutt wig, . 

To shaving and dressing, 



£ sh. d. 
. U 
.060 



To cutting and dressing Mrs. 

Dumbar's hair, . . .030 



£13 



''Edinburgh^ March 18th, 1758. — Received pay- 
ment of the above, and discharges the same, and all 
proceedings, by Francis Jeffrey/' 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMEE DAYS. 

A Jack-of-all-trades : — 



199 



The enterprising Mr. Grant rented a billiard-table, 
" with king and port, ten play clubs, a long club and 
half long club, two big bals, and eight alagaire bals," 
which had been procured, in 1732, from Edinburgh, at 
a cost of eighteen guineas. No doubt the Elgin gen- 
tlemen often resorted to the " Garden Chamber," where 
the table was set up : — 



To thirteen months of the billiard table, 



. £13 



A quarter's slieaving, 


£5 


5 





Tor apprehending Wm. Jack, 


. 3 








For executing summonds, 





16 





For swan's skin, 





8 





For a letter, . 





4 





For oil, . . 





5 






9 18 



£3 2 



" Bvffus, the 2d March 1743. — Eeseved by me, 
John Grant, wigmaker in Elgin, full and complete 
payment from Archibald Dunbar of Newtoun, of all 
sheaving preceding the date heirof ; I having paid for 
the billiard table — all except three pounds two shil- 
lings Scots, as above. John Geant." 



XXVIII. POETIC EFFUSIONS, AND BEGGING- 
LETTEES. 

With some hesitation we give tlie verses and letters 
contained in this division. They are, however, traits 
of old social life. 

The happy e\^ent to which Mr. Whytte tuned his 
lyre took place in 1703 : — 

" Epithalamium on the nuptials of the much hon- 
ored Archibald Dunbar of Thundertoune, and the 
pious, vertuous, and conilie Mrs. Eebecca Adamsone, 
etc. 

Appollo come, and help me up the hill 
Of Hehcon, that I may dip my quile 
Into its font, the fair Castahan streame ; 
That I may wreate upon this worthy theame, 
Upon the nuptials of them — good, gallant paire — 
AYliose qualities are trulie fyne and rare ; 
For both are sprung from an old honoiu^'d race, 
AVliich may be seen by symptoms in each face. 
He is a sparke — neate, comlie, lovehe, good ; 
In Albion ther 's non of better blood ; 
Discreet and kynd, true, generous, and free. 
Prudent and wise, ri!2:ht liumble altho' hioii : 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 201 

His loyale spirit's endued with finest parts, 
And lie liatli skill in science each, and arts. 
Xow for to speake the due praise of his ladie, 
Her fame for good is broad and wyde alreadie : 
Shee try'd before what was a maried lyffe, 
And blameless liv'd while widow, maid, or wyfe : 
Her lovlie face, and her sweet pleasantt eyes. 
The best of men t-o love her might entice ; 
Modest and meeke, frugale, wise, that is shee. 
Of common \dce being altogether free. 
Now with what joy, what pleasure, and delight 
May them, brisk paire, goe live both day and night 
For briske Dunbare, the Laird of Thundertoune, 
Is a brave sparke, of honour and renoune ; 
He is a man of prudence, and greate sense. 
And knows the right of due benevolence. 
God grant them grow in grace, in peace and love, 
With progenie to be blest from above. 

" Will. Whytte. 



to' 



" Sir, — I am but latlie informed of your weding, 
else I hade sent my complement before this tyme. 
In the meantime mind the poet, and I shall be a good 
serviter." 



" The poet's address to his honble. and generous 
Maecenas, (fee, anno 1722 : — 

Most worthy Sir, be pleased to excuse 
This bold address of my aspiring muse ; 
Which to your view ambitiously has sent 
Rude rhyme, for want of better compliment. 



202 SOCIAL LIFE m FORMER DAYS. 

Did my hard ffates grant me the happiness. 

Some fitter way your virtues to express. 

Then, out of gratitude, I should allow 

Whole Hecatombs, as to your merits due ; 

But since my state a poet's case doth plead, 

I hope you'll please to take the will for deed, 

And drive from me the poet's plague away, 

Hobgoblin-like, that haunts me night and day. 

Lo ! at your gates I waiting here attend. 

Till you to me some consolation send. 

With hope and fear (like Mah'met in the air), 

I'm toss'd 'twixt expectation and despair. 

To kill or cure alike is in your pow'r ; 

But, ! your clement looks will ne'er devour 

Your ]3oetaster ; since a small relief 

Will ease me of a multitude of grief ; 

Which if you grant, I'll to the world proclaim 

Your generous soul, and eternize your name. 

Long may you live, and prosp'rous be your health. 

Increasing still in honour, grace, and wealth ! 

" Supphciter posuit, 

" Humillimus tui cultor, 

" M. Jo. COLME.' 



We trust that " the good wife" was asked to give 
poor Groupie a Christmas-box : — 

" ffor the much honered Mr. Archibald Dunbar 
" of Thundertoun : These ar — 

"Elgin, the llt/i day of December, 1700 year. 

"Much honoeed, — As it is my greatt duty to 
WYett to you and to shoe you that your nephew, 



i^ 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FOEMER DAYS. 203 

Archibald, is in verie good health, blessed be God ; 
and he is verie desiros to hear the like of you, my 
dear honerbl master ; and likewaise if ye knew the 
nakednesse that poor Groupie is in, your heart would 
be sorry for to see his nakednese ; but poor Groupie 
cannot help it, till it shall please the Lord to bring 
you weell horn, as I do wish from my heart ; or if it 
wer your honor s will to writ the good wife or to Mr. 
Eeid they would not let me be naked, as I am ; and 
if your honer did nott help and send word to hyd my 
nakednese, poor Groupie will be in the dust ere ye 
com hom. And alwise, deer honrble master, I am 
still keeping the schooU, with Archibald, and, blessed 
be the Lord, he is lerning werie weell ; and the master 
is werie weell content with him. No more at pres- 
sent, but untill death, I am, honored Sir, your humble, 
and poor, and obedient servant, Grou])ie, till death, 

" A. Geoughtly.'' 



Although pugnacious, the captive was honest. It 
was too bad not only to fine him a crown for the 
nose, but also to impose jailers fees : — 

" To Sir Alexander Dunbar, at Duffes, 

" Elgin, Tolboth, Maye I8t7i, 1780. 

" Honble. Sie, — I had the misforton of giving a 
chape to a man's nose in this pleace ; he has given me 
a right to a stout dryy roum, that one drop of recn 



204 SOCIAL LIFE IN FOKMER DAYS. 

hes not touched me thes tuo days. This day a Court 
was hold on me, and fined in five shelings, and jelor- 
fis, which I am not able to pay. Pray, Sir, be so good 
as to write any of your aquantanss to rehve me, and 
your servant shall be for ever oblidged. 

" I shall direckly com a longe with your servant, 
and worke til you be cleaired of what the damages is, 
Sir, Gavin Skeoch." 



XXIX. mVENTOKY OF HOUSEHOLD 
FUENITURE. 

If this " Inventar" may. be taken as a correct index 
of their comforts and conveniences, the Morayshire 
gentry had no cause of complaint. 

" Inventar of plenishing in Thunderton's lodging in 
Duffus, May 25, 1708 :— 

" Strypt Room. 

" Camlet hangings and curtains, feather bed and 
bolster, two pillows, five pair blankets, and an Inglish 
blanket, a green and white cover, a blew and white 
chamber-pot, a blue and white bason, a black jopand 
table and two looking glasses, a jopand tee table with 
a tee-pot and plate and nine cups and nine dyshes 
and a tee silver spoon, two glass sconces, two little 
bowles with a leam. stoap and a pewter head, eight 
black ken chairs with eight silk cushens conform, an 
easie chair with a big cushen, a jopand cabinet with a 
walnut tree stand, a grate, shuffle, tonges, and brush ; 
in the closet, three piece of paper hangings, a chamber 
box with a pewter pan therein, and a brush for cloaths. 



206 SOCIAL LIFE IN FOEMER DAYS. 

" Closet next the Strypt Room. 

" Four dishes, two assiets, six broth plates, and 
twelve flesh plates, a quart flagon, and a pynt flagon, 
a pewter porenger, and a pewter flacket, a white iron 
jaculate pot, and a skellet pann, twentj-one timber 
plates, a winter for warming plates at the fire, two 
highland plaids, and a sewed blanket, a bolster, and 
four pillows, a chamber box, a sack with wool, and a 
white iron driping pann. 

" In the Fire Closet. 

" A standing bed with green cloath curtains and 
slips of silk sewens thereon, a feather bed, bolster, and 
two pillows, two pair blankets, and a single blanket, a 
learn chamber pot, and one timber chair. 

" In the next Closet. 

" A standing bed with green hangings, feather bed, 
bolster, and three pair of blankets. 

" In the Green Room. 

" A sute of stamped green cloath hangings, and 
a stamped stufi" green bed, two feather beds and a 
bolster, a couple of pillows, three pair blankets, and a 
single blanket, and an Inglish blanket, five winscot 
chairs, a chist of olive-wood drawers, a table, and two 
stands, and a looking-glass, a pewter chamber pot, a 
chamber box and pewter pan therein. 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FOEMEK DAYS. 20 7 

" In the Garret. 

" Two tyks of beds, and two bolsters, and a tyk of 
a bolster, two feather stands, with a large basket and 
a deal of feathers, and a frying pann. 

" In the far est Closet. 

" Seventeen drinking glasses, with a glass tumbler 
and two decanters, a oil cruet, and a vinegar cruet, a 
urinel glass, a large blew and white posset pot, a 
white learn posset pot, a blew and white bowl, a dozen 
of blew and white learn plates, three milk dishes, a 
blew and white leam porenger, and a white leam 
porenger, four jelly pots, and a little butter dish, a 
crying chair, and a silk craddle. 

" In the Moyhair Room. 

" A sute of stamped cloath hangings, and a moyhair 
bed with feather bed, bolster, and two pillows, six 
pair blankets, and an Inglish l)lanket, and a twilt, a 
leam chamber pot, five moyhair chairs, two looking 
glasses, a cabinet, a table, two stands, a table cloak, 
and window hangings, a chamber box with a pewter 
pauD, a leam bason, with a grate and tongs and a 
brush; in the closet two carpets, apiece of Arres, three 
pieces lyn'd strypt hangings, three wawed strypt cur- 
tains, two piece gilded leather, three trunks, and a 
craddle, a chamber box and a pewter pann, thirty- 



208 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 

three pound of heckled lint, a ston of vax, and a firkin 
of sop, and a brush for cloaths, two pair blankets, and 
a single blanket. 

" In the Dyning-Room, 

" A sute of gilded hangings, two folding tables, 
eighteen low backed ken chairs, a grate, a fender, a 
brass tongs, shuffle, brush, and timber brush, and a 
poring iron, and a glass kes. 

" In my Ladys Room. 

"Gilded hangings, standing bed, and box-bed, stamped 
drogged hangings, feather bed, bolster, and two pillows, 
a pallise, ^yq pair of blankets and a single one, and a 
twilt, and two pewter chamber pots, six chairs, table, 
and looking-glass, a little folding table, and a chist of 
drawers, tonges, shuffle, porrin-iron, and a brush, two 
window curtains of linen ; in the Laird's closet two 
trunks, two chists, and a citrena cabinet, a table, and a 
looking-glass, the dow^ holes, two carpet chairs, and a 
chamber box with a pewter pan, and a little bell, and 
a brush for cloath. 

" My Ladys Closet. 

" A cabinet, three presses, three kists, and a spicerie 
box, a dozen leam white plates, a blew and white leam 
plate, a little blew butter plate, a white leam porenger, 
and three gelly pots, two leam dishes, and two big 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 209 

timber capes, four tin cougs, a new pewter basson, 
a pynt, chopen, and mutchken stoups, two copper 
tankers, two pewter salts, a pewter mustard box, 
a white iron peper and suggar box, two white iron 
graters, a pot for starch, and a pewter spoon, thirteen 
candlesticks, five pair snuffers and snuf dishes con- 
form, a brass morter and pistol, a lanthern, a timber 
box, a dozen knives and a dozen forks, and a carpet 
chair, two milk cougs, a milk cirn, and kirn staff, a 
symilk, and creamen dish, and a chesswel, a neprie 
basket, and two new pewter chamber pots. 

" In the Nursrie. 

" A large neprie press, wherein there is six pair 
Scots holland sheits, two pair of fyn linen sheits, 
ten pair of courser linen sheits, eight pair of straken 
sheits, twelve holland pillowbers and two little 
holland pillowbers, twenty-three linen pillowbers 
and five little ones, six linen top sheits, one dozen 
of fyn Dutch damaz, and two tabel cloaths, two 
dozen and eight of the rose knot, and two table 
cloaths, one dozen and four of the levender knot, 
and one table cloath, two dozen and eleven of the 
dice about, and three table cloaths, two dozen and 
five of the wals of troy, and two table cloaths, two 
dozen and two new rose and dice about, and four 
table cloaths, two dozen and one of burdseye, and 
nine of several knots odd, three fyn towels, and five 





210 SOCIAL LIFE IN FOEMER DAYS. 

of the walls of troy, four of dice about, three rose 
and dice about, three old ones, and two coarse dornick 
towels. 

" There is of sheits, coarse and fyn, twenty-six pair, 
there is of pillowbers, little and mikle, coarse and fyn, 
fourty and two, there is of neprie coarse and fyn, 
fifteen dozen, odd ones, four, there is of the hand 
towels, twenty in all, and twenty coarse haggabag 
servits, three pair fyn blankets and three pair coarse 
blankets ; all the above-written is in the press. 

" Three close beds, and a folding bed. 

" In Collin's bed, — a feather bed, bolster, and two 
pair of blankets. 

" In Beatie's bed,— a feather bed, bolster, two pil- 
lows, and four pair blankets. 

" In Eebecka's bed, — a feather bed, bolster, and 
three pair blankets and a single blanket. 

" In Nellie's bed, — a feather bed, bolster, and three 
pair of blankets. 

" A hand candle chist, two chairs for the children, 
three little stools, two coarse learn chamber pots, a 
pair of tongs, a large fire shufile, and a pair of bellows, 
a folding table, a milke stoup, a two-lugged coug, 
three mikle capes, and six little capes, two pewter 
bassons, a pair of collop tongs, and a coUop brander, 
two little wheels, and a check reel, two little pans, 
a timber ball and brods, a dry rubber, and a wet 
rubber, and a brush, a craddle and a chaff bed and 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 211 

pillow tliereiii, and a single blanket, a salt box, a meal 
box, and a hanging candlestick, and a goosing blanket. 
" In Jannet s bed, — a bolster, two pair blankets, 
and a covering. 

" In the Stable. 

" In John Lamb's bed, — a feather bed, bolster, and 
three pair blankets, and a covering. 

"In WiUiam Winchester's bed, — a chaff bed, and 
feather bolster, and three pair of blankets. 

" In Frank's bed, — two pair of blankets. 

" 1709, to be added, four pair linen sheits, and two 
pair twidlen shiets, four course harn shiets, and three 
table-cloaths. 

" In the Parlour. 
" Three tables, and five backed chairs. 

"i Note of Plate. 

" Three silver salvers, four salts, a large tanker, a 
big spoon, and thirteen littler spoons, two jugs, a 
suggar box, a mustard box, a peper box, and two 
little spoons. 

" In the Kitchey. 

" A hanging candlestick, six dishes, and two ashets, 
eighteen pewter plates, twenty-one timber trenchers, 
two timber stoups, and a drinking cap, a mustard 



212 SOCIAL LIFE IX FORMEE DAYS. 

dish and a bullet ; a sowen kirn, and a sowen sive, 
five timber plates and a laddie, a watter stoup, three 
cies, five pots, and three broads, three panns, and a 
kettle pann, a driping pann, and a fiying pann, two 
branders, a flesh hook, and flaming spoon, one of pair 
pot bowls, a cockering iron, five smoothing irons and 
their stand, a toasting iron, four spits, and a girdle, a 
chofen dish, a pair of raxes, seven iron scewers, a 
crook, and a pair tongs. 

" The BroivhoKse. 

" A lead, and fatt, and taptree, and masken shield, 
a baken table, with a pill, colraik, and maiden. 



The GooUi 



ouse. 



" Five puncheons, and a waterstand, a quicknen bot, 
eight gallon trees, a four gallon barrel, a twenty pynt 
barrel, a ten pynt barrel, a timber tinvel, and white 
iron tinvel, and twenty pynts barely. A dozen of 
new pewter trenchers more, fifteen timber trenchers 
to the kitchey. 

"Made new — four pair of course linen sheits, and 
six pair of fyn linen shiets, and nine fyn Hnen pillow- 
l^ers, two pair of twidlen sheits, and two pair of harn 
sheits, and four single harn shiets, three new dornick 
table-cloaths, thirty new dornick servitors, and two 
new washino^ cloaths. 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMEU DAYS. 



213 



''Ail Account of Bottles In the Salt Cellar. 



Of sack, live dozen and one, 

Of brandie, three dozen and three, 

Of vinegar and aqiia\'itie, seven, . 

Of strong ale, four dozen and four, 

Of other ale, nine dozen, 

In the ale cellar, fifteen dozen and ten, 

In the hamper, five dozen empty. 

In the ^vine cellar, nine with Ingiish ale, 

White wine, ten, 

Of brandy, three. 

With brandy and surop, two, 

With claret, fifteen, 

With mum, fifteen. 

Throw the house, nineteen. 

There is in all, forty-nine dozen and two 
And of mutchken bottles, twenty-five 



' June 


the fir 


^t, 1708. 




5 1 






3 3 






7 






4 4 






9 






15 10 






5 


le, 




9 






10 






3 






2 






1 3 






1 3 






1 7 


^0, 


49 2 






2 1 



" Received ten dozen and one of cliopen bottles, full 
of claret. More received — eleven dozen and one of 
pynt bottles, whereof there was six broke in the home- 
coming. 1709, June the 4th, received from Elgin, 
forty-three chopen bottles of claret/' 



XXX. PARLIAMENTAEY EXPENSES, AND 
POLITICS. 

Membees of the Scottish Parliament Iiad stated 
allowances for their services, etc. ; and heritors, wad- 
setters, life-renters, and other local parties, were as- 
sessed for the payment of these allowances. This 
system continued for a few years after the Union, as 
appears by the claim for expenses, made, in 1715, by 
a Scotch member of the British Parliament. 

" The Laird of MTntosh, his depnrsements for the 
shyre of Lwerness, at the Parliament in anno 1681 : — 

Item, for fifty-two sitting dayes in Parliament, 

and sixteen dayes comeing and goeing, at £ 6'. d. 
five ponnds Scotts per day, is . . . 340 00 00 

Item, more for ane considtation with tlie Lord 

Advocat, 036 05 00 

Item, more to Mr. David Tliores and his servants, 021 15 00 

Item, more given in with the comission to the 

Clerk-Piegister, 0130608 

Item, more for the testificat of the dyetts of the 

Parhament sitting, 0141000 

Item, more to ]\Ir. Thomas Gordon for keeping 
the Conns ell in mynd from dissjoyning of the 
shyre of Invemes with tliat of Eoss in the 

excyse, 008 14 00 

434 10 08 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FOKMER DAYS. 215 

" The Laird of M'lntosli, liis expenss for his foot 
mantle^ and furniture therof, and other expenss for the 
shyre of Inverness, at the Parliament in anno 1685 : — 

Item, for ten ells fyn black velvat, at sixteen 

pound the ell, is, 160 00 00 

Item, for five and three quarters ells broad black 

kyligo, 005 15 00 

Item, for silk, and workeing the knapes and fren- 
zies, 026 00 00 

Item, to David Denoon for makeing the foot- 
mantle and mounteing the same . . . 024 00 00 

Item, for his part given in to the Clerk-Eegister 

with the comission, 020 00 00 

Item, for fifty-five sitting dayes in Parliament, 
and sixteen dayes comeing and goeing, at five 
pounds Scotts per day, is . . . .3550000 

Item, for the testificat of the dyetts of the Par- 
liament sitting 0130608 



604 01 08 
It is to be remembred that the Laird of 
M'Intosh, when the Parliament first sat, 
after calleing the rolls of Parliament, did 
protest for the shyre's precedencie, and 
depursed ane gaunie, as other shyres did, 
being 013 06 08 



Sumed . 617 08 04 



The sowme of all is . 1051 10 00 



L. Mackintoshe 

of Torcastelh" 

^ Worn at the processions Avhen Parliament Mas opened, [irorogued, or 
dissolved, by the Royal Commissioner. 



216 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 

Two letters from the Laird of Brodie to the Sheriff- 
Depute of Moray. " The President'' was Duncan 
Forbes of CuUoden : — 

" To William King of Newmiln, Esq., 

" at his house in Elgin. Post paid. 

" Brodie House, 11 th July 1747. 

" Dear Sir, — As the writes for electing members of 
Parliament came to the hands of the Shirriff of Nairn 
on Thursday se'night, and were published on Friday 
thereafter, the second instant, I am surprised that I 
have not heard of your having sent a precept to the 
town of Forress before now ; which is the occasion of 
this trouble, to begg to know the meaning of it. 

" I would also be glad to know what day you 
intend to appoint the election for this county, that 
I may regulate my measures accordingly. 

" My kind compliments to your lady and ffamily, 
and believe me, dear Sir, yours most faithfully, 

" Alexe. Brodie. 

" P.S. — Excuse a borrowed hand, because I have 
been obliged to take a little blood this morning for 
a bad cough. It would be agreeable to the Presi- 
dent, McLeod, and me, &c., if you could, as it were by 
accident, appoint the day of election in Murray the 
same with Inverness, to disappoint the idle scheme of 
Major Grant for that county ; and if you agree to this, 
let me know, and before Friday next I will acquaint 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 217 

you of the day intended for Inverness, which I know 
will be delayed, on account of the President's coming 
north, to the Last day, which I think must be the last 
day of this month, or the first of August." 



" Brodie House, July 14:th, Tuesday. 

" Dear Sir, — My express from McLeod is not yet 
returned, but, last night. Sir Ludovic and Major Grant 
came here from Inverness, and told me that Colonel 
John Stuart had appointed the 4th of August next 
for the day of election of that county ; and that 
McLeod and Major Grant had agreed that, as the 
Frasers had the casting of the ballance, they did not 
see it necessary to be jockying one another, nor put- 
ting one another to expence, but to submit to the 
Duke of Argyll's determination, who should have the 
Frasers, and in case the Duke gave it for McLeod, 
Major Grant would vote for McLeod. 

"This has the air of truth, but in those times I 
don't choose to be an absolute believer untill I hear 
both sides, and therefore I beg of you not to fix the 
day untill you hear from me, to-morrow or Thursday, 
since, after that, you will have time enough to pub- 
lish it, on Friday, at the Market Cross. 

" Sir Ludovic is to wait of you this day. He asked 
me what day was most convenient for me, when I 
told him that Tuesday the 28th of this month would 



218 SOCIAL LIFE lis FOEMEE DAYS. 

suit me best. He then pressed hard for Tuesday next, 
which I told liim was not in your power, nor any day 
l.)efore Thursday se'night, the 23d ; and that, as I was 
to be drunk at Inverness on Wednesday, the 2 2d, I 
could not be at Elgin the 23d, nor, conveniently, even 
the 24th ; so that, unless it was absolutely necessary, 
I could agree to no day sooner than Tuesday, the 
28th. 

Kind compliments to your lady, and believe me, 
dear William, yours faitlifuUy, 

" Alexe. Beodie." 



At the election for the county of Moray, in 1741, the 
Honourable Colonel Stuart of Pittendreich had been 
defeated by Mr. Grant, younger of Grant ; but some 
years afterwards, on the instigation of his brother, 
James, seventh Earl of Moray, the gallant officer re- 
solved to again contest the county. The correspond- 
ence on this subject between Lord ]\Ioray and one of 
his friends is interesting : — 

'■ To Archibald Dunbar, Esq. of Duffus. 

" near Elgin, by Edinburgh. 

" LoNDOX, Ajjril 3d, 1758, 

" My deae Aechie, — After you have read this 
epistle, I think I hear you saying to yourself, hum ! 
the Earl is determined not to let me remain long in 
his debt, if I asked a triffline; favour of him, he comes 



J 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMEE DAYS. 21.0 

upon me Avitli a much heavier demand. The former 
proofs I have had of your friendship make me flatter 
myself that this application will not meet with a 
negative. My brother, the Laird of Pittendrich, will 
make his personal address to you, how soon he can 
get leave of absence from Ireland, to beg the favour 
of your vote and interest to represent the shire of 
Elgin and Forres in Parliament, the first vacancy 
there happens. As the interest of my family in that 
country, that I have the honour to carry the title of, 
has so long lain asleep, I shall at least have the 
satisfaction, upon this occasion, of knowing who are 
its friends and who not. Those who contribute to- 
wards the reviving of it will lay me under the deepest 
ties of gratitude, which no distance of time nor place 
will ever be able to eradicate out of the breast of, 
my dear Sir, your most devoted and obedient humble 
servant, Moray." 



" DuPFus, April lUli, 175S. 

" My dear Lord, — By last post I am honoured 
with your's of the third current, the first . paragraph 
wherof I read and consider in a jocular manner, such 
as, I am sure, you only intended it. The second part, 
concerning the Laird of Pittendrich, I take to be a 
more serious matter ; and since your Lordship seems 
to propose it as such, I shall consider it in that man- 



220 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 

ner, and treat it accordingly ; and in the first place, 
as I hope your Lordship will indulge me the liberty 
of conversing with you in the stile of a real friend, so 
you may easily believe it would give me double pain 
to see you and your freinds balked and disapointed 
now again, as formerly your brother was. You have 
no doubt weighed and considered, that though at last 
tryal you had a competent number of friends of one 
sort or other, yet considerable alterations have hap- 
pened here since that time. Some on both sides are 
gone, particularly of your own freinds, partly repre- 
sented by minors, and partly by others, whom you 
would need to be sure of, at least, for or against you ; 
and to the list of our roll have been added a number 
of new ones since that time, part wherof are abroad, 
and part at home ; and such as are abroad and in 
your opposition, I wish they may remain where they 
are. And if you are seriously determined to push and 
try this affair, I humbly conceive that if you have 
already declared it, you have rather been too early, as 
it must incite your adversary to muster up and secure 
not only his old friends and allies, but also raise a 
number of new troops, which otherwise, and without 
seeing you as a commander-in-chief, he possibly would 
not have done, at least not in such numbers as now 
he may do ; though, at sametime, you can do as he 
does, if you see cause. And if you are unalterably 
determined on a tryal, and have not already declared 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 221 

it, I tliiiik you should not neglect, but write to every 
gentleman whom you have reason to think is or ought 
to be your friend ; among which number, if Sir Wil- 
liam Dunbar is one, he should be written to, to cor- 
respond with his cousin the Laird of Grange (lately 
married to Mr. Campbell of Delnies s daughter, and 
neice to Leathen), that Grange and his brother-in-law 
may keep themselves steady, free, and independent, 
till Sir William sees them ; and that as those Dunbars 
are but very few now in number, your Lordship would 
be glad to see them unite, that they may bear their 
own proper weight in any society, whether they should 
be for or against your Lordship's interest. 

" It is possible your Lordship has made ane acqui- 
sition of new freinds, able and willing to serve and 
gratifie your Lordship and themselves ; and if you are 
pleased, so am L For my own share, your Lordship, 
I believe, knows I have not the abilities of a politician ; 
God Almighty has denied me the talents necessary for 
those ends, and I don't repine ; but if your Lordship 
is pleased to honour me with your foundation, plan of 
operations, and hopes of success, I surely will not hurt 
your interest in thought, word, or deed, and beg you 
will believe that true regard wherewith I have the 
honour to be, my Lord, &c., 

" Archd. Dunbae." 



222 800TAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 



" London, May 10, 175S. 

" My dear Archie,— Yours of the 14th of April, 
m answer to mine of the 3rd, is now lying before me, 
and the oftener I read it over the more am 1 con- 
vinced of yonr friendship. I have the satisfaction to 
find that my ideas and yours hit in more particulars 
than one ; for by Sir William Dunbar's return to 
mine, he tells me that he was to send a copy of it to 
you. Grange, and Kilravock. Every word in your 
letter is most certainly true. Many changes have hap- 
pened since the last tryal, and that will ever be the 
case in so long a tract of time. It is a common maxim 
amongst all good Generals to take the field as earlie 
as one can. That at least prevents your being told 
^ I am engaged. Had you spoke sooner it might have 
been otherwise.' Nay, sometimes one is told ' As you 
did not bestir yourself sooner, I thought you did not 
intend to do it at all, and therefore, &c., &c., &c.' In 
such a case as this, it is impossible to say how things 
will turn out, untill appHcation is made, and, even then, 
it is difficult to do more than guess, because of the 
dubiety of the answers ; when people avowedly take 
a side, it is easie to teU how the bowls wiU roll. If 
auxiliary troops of Cossacks and CaUmoucks are brought 
into the play, Pandours and Croats will be found to 
encounter them. The frequent protestations of regard 
and friendship I have had from the gentlemen, in the 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMEE DAY8. 223 

low country, induce me to put tlieni to the touchstone 
of sincerity, and, as I mentioned to you before, I will 
have, at least, the satisfaction upon this occasion to 
know who are my friends from those who only profess 
themselves to be so. Those who are really sincere 
will use their best endeavours to bring all they can 
alonoj with them. I have g^ot no return from Kirk- 
town, Bishopmill, nor Link wood. I wrote to Pit- 
gaveny, but I msli my letter has not miscarryed, as I 
directed it to Elgin instead of Portsoy. Lord Braco 
pretends to be angry at my giving the preference to 
your recommendation for Speymouth. I wrote him, 
for answer, that your letter was dated the 12th of 
December and his the 27th said month, though this 
was only seeking a hair to make a tether of. Tempora 
mutantur indeed ! I hope when Pittendrich gets into 
Murray land, his friends will be so kind as to declare 
openly, and then we shall know upon what ground we 
tredd. Untill they do that, we must live upon hopes. 
You will easily guess that your neighbour, Sir Eobert, 
is plumb with me ; and Sir Alexander Grant ; and I 
am in great hopes of having the Baron likewise. You 
will be better able to form a judgment of those in 
your neighbourhood than I can possibly do at present, 
until I hear from them. As everybody is put upon 
his guard, it now lyes in the breast of every gentle- 
man to take what side he pleases. I hope to see 
you soon. I am, what I ever have been, and that 



224 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMEE DAYS. 

is, my dear x^rcliie, yoar most faithful friend and 

servant, 

'^ Moray." 



The unexpected death of Lord Moray's brother. 
Colonel Stuart, blasted the political prospects : — 

"Darnaway, Oct. 22, 1760. 

" My dear Archie, — I am truly sorry that you have 
any complaints, and particularly at this season of the 
year, because there is no chance of a thorough relief 
until the mild weather sets in. For some time past, 
neither my body nor mind is so well as I am very 
sure you wish them. This stroke is the heaviest 
my family have felt these twenty years ; but from 
these dispensations of providence, tho' our duty call 
upon us to bear them with patience, our nature 
almost prompts us to revolt. God's will be done. 
Amen. 

" I never doubted of application being made to 
you from Castle Grant, because I was informed by 
a friend of mine he was wrote to. My thoughts have 
been so unsettled since the fatal blow, that I have 
not been able to think upon any one plan in life. 
I leave the answer to your own honest friendly 
heart ; at the same time I could wish that none of 
my friends were hasty in giving a flat promise. 

"All happiness attend you and yours. That you 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 225 

have the warmest good wishes of all in this family 
I can assure you of, and that no man can be with 
more truth and sincerity, my dear Archie, your most 
devoted humble servant, than Moray." 



James, second Earl of Fife (an Irish Peer), for 
some time represented the county of Moray in Par- 
liament, but, being created a British Peer, he had to 
relinquish his seat in the House of Commons. Several 
of the real freeholders had entered into an " associa- 
tion '■ to annul the " paper votes " by which his Lord- 
ship had carried his election : — 

'' To Sir Alexander Dunbar, Duifus, Elgin. 

"Duff House, July l'2th, 1790. 

" Dear Sir, — As a neighbour, I hope the late mem- 
ber for the county of Elgin has done away his offiences 
by retiring, and I hope the next will be more able, I 
am sure he cannot be more zealous, in serving the 
country than I was. I waited on you to assure you 
that I bore no ill-will, and that I only wished my 
neighbour's spare money might be laid out in planting 
and cultivating Duffus ; and even if you came not to 
see me, I shall make personal enquirys after Lady 
Dunbar and you ; remaining, with much regard, dear 
Sir, your most obedient humble servant, 

'' Fife." 



226 SOCIAL LIFE IN FOEMER DAYS. 

The Baronet's reply : — 

" Durrus, lith July 1790. 

" My Loed, — Being an associator so long, I was 
surprised to receive your condescending letter of the 
12th. 

" Your Lordship will know that at the earliest 
period of my political race, I was, in a manner, pre- 
engaged by General Grant's procuring a commission 
for my brother ; and since that time I have been 
fighting with your I^ordship, and vindicating my 
right as a ffreeholder, although, on all occasions, I 
always declared you were the most proper person to 
represent the county. Your Lordship's letter being 
calcidated to exact something explicite from me, I 
go on to tell you that my interferance for General 
Grant cost me two hundred pounds sterling ; and 
my expence as an associator stood three hundred 
pounds more. 

" I declare to your Lordship that I never received 
a single favour from Grant or Gordon, and that I 
was also tricked out of my reimbursement of the 
three hundred, foresaid, by the finesse, chicane, or, if 
you please, the address of your agent. 

" In this situation I presently stand ; but your 
Lordship may be assured that I consider myself 
creditor to you in the article of firiendship, and 
you may depend on an appHcation from me in these 
presents. I know well that the foregoing declara- 



SOCIAL LTFE TN FORMER DAYS. 22 7 

tion is forward, and perhaps imprudent, nay im- 
pudent ; but then your Lordship will consider that 
I have not seen the world for twenty years past, 
and that your letter encourages me to hope for ex- 
traordinary indulgence and favour, since I verily 
believe none of the Association can produce any 
testimonial of forgiveness or friendship, from your 
own hand. I forbear saying even a word of our 
present member, whom I have seen only once, about 
two years ago. But I observe to you, under silence, 
that our votes were no more significant in his case 
than in your Lordship's. I all wise expect and desire a 
competition, without which the member cannot know 
ffrends from ffoes. 

" With your Lordship's permission, my two young 
lads shall wait on you when att Innes, or even at 
Duff-house. I despair of ever being from home, and 
I relinquish all ambition, save that of being considered 
as an honest person, under a quick sense of your Lord- 
ship's notice. My Lord, since I have not frequently 
an opportunity of addressing you, let me say, in a, 
word, that Eobert Guthrie, CuUen-born and young, is 
lately married to a cousin of mine. She is main ugly, 
but of great ingenuity, and very low in circumstances. 
He has only a smattering of the writer business, but 
dresses in taste, writes a noble hand, and figures well. 
Let me beseech your Lordship to think of these, when 
all your other petitioners are served, and let mc, then, 



228 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 

have it to say that I was instrumental in procuring 
bread for one single fFamily. Since it was his Ma- 
jesty's pleasure, and perhaps your own desire, to be 
created an English Peer, be it mine that you sitt as 
high in another kingdom, wherein there is neither 
death, nor marriage, nor change. I have the honour 
to be, &c., Alex. Dunbae." 



The Peers of Scotland resent interference in their 
elections : — 

" Uphali., West Lothian, January 1770. 

" Lord Buchan presents his compliments to the 
Earl of ErroU, and is sorry he is ol^liged to acquaint 
his Lordship that, as the Duke of Grafton had the 
audacity, without the participation of his royall 
master, to interfeer in his Lordship's election, by 
writing a letter to the Peers of Scotland (among 
whom Lord Buchan had not the honour to be one), 
he cannot give Lord Erroll his vote ; though he is 
very indifferent about the choice of the Peer, whether 
now or at any other time." 



Li the contested election for the county of Aber- 
deen, in 1786, the Lairds of Skene and Pitfour were 
the rival candidates. The contest was really a trial of 
strength between the Gordons and the Earl of Fife ; 
his Lordship's party succeeded, by a very small ma- 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FOEMER DAYS. 229 

jority, in placing Skene at the head of the poll. " Peer 
of Irish creation" was Lord Fife; "Lord of the Pro- 
testant mob'' was Lord George Gordon. 

" I sing the election of Skene and Pitfour-— 
]\ry song shall be sweet thougli my subject be sour ; 
I '11 tell you what Barons and beauties were there, 
And tell you their characters all to a hair. 
Deny down, etc. 

There was a rich Peer of Irish creation — • 
A Commoner here, though a Lord of the Nation ; 
And, because he could vote without favour or fear, 
They voted this noble Lord into the chair. 

And there was a Lord who had lately succeeded 
To a troop of new friends, whicli he very much needed ; 
But, this Lord being old, said not much pro or con, 
Yet he still shook his head as the voting went on. 

There, too, was the Lord of the Protestant mob, 
Who came driving like Jehu to help at the job ; 
And yet, after all, no assistance could grant. 
For no oath he would take but the Old Covenant ! 

And there were some Knights of fame and renown, 
With Generals and Colonels, all mustered in to^A'u ; 
For, tho' a red-coat be forbid at elections, 
There are colours besides that will suit all complexions. 

A Colonel was there from the banks of the Shannon — 
He'd been better at home, looking after his cannon ; 
For five hundred miles he travell'd in vain, 
And had nothino- to do but to ride back auain. 



230 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 

And there was an Englishman married, in haste, 
To an heiress that suited him just to his taste ; 
Yet his right of attendance in Court was not clear, 
So they sent him to fiddle and dance, for a year ! 

And there were the Gordons, of every degree, 
As stately and gentle as Gordons should be ; 
But, how many were true or false to their chief, 
Perhaps I could tell, hut you won't give belief. 

And there were the Duffs, all ranged on one side, 
Still true to the Eed Cows, whate'er might betide ; 
Their chief, they were sure, woidd always prevail. 
For ten of majority never can fail. 

A Gordon there came some folks to reprove, 
For he, now and then, pray'd to a Being above ; 
But, because he was thought to depend on his Grace, 
They found he had x^ray 'd in an unentered place 1 

A Duff, too, was there, but I cannot well tell 
If ever he thought of a heaven or hell ; 
For, fearing his vote might be cast on that score. 
He swore he pray'd none, for a twelvemonth and 
ID ore ! 

And there were some parsons, of piety rare, 
Who, with reverence, bow'd to the preses's chair; 
But what an honour they are to the cloth. 
When, with fervent devotion, they take the trust oatli 

And there were some gentlemen of the long robe — 
With Avigs of all sizes, curl'd, long-tail 'd, and bob,— 
The carcage had smelt, tho' cold was the weather. 
And, therefore, the vultures were gathered together ! 



SOCIAL LIFE I]N^ FORMER DAYS. 231 

And there was some bundles of parclinients and writes — 
Had the boys but got them, what store of fine kites — 
Such as made for the cause, were rub'd up and sustained, 
And the rest, they as wisely sent home to be cleaned. 

And there was prodigious huzzaings, without ; 
The walls of the Court-House re-echoed the shout ; 
AVhile the members, witliin, had their hopes and their fears, 
When they saw how a noble Lord prick 'd up his ears ! 

But to know all was there, your patience would fail, — 
Of Misses and Masters, tag-rag and bob-tail. 
Who had all come to town with the pious intent 
To keep the feast-day on the first day of Lent ! 

And a joyful day it was, to be sure ; 
The victuals were good, and the claret was pure ; 
WhUe the rabble roar'd out, such roaring was never, 
With Skene and Lord George, beer and porter for ever !" 



XXXL ECCLESIASTICAL. 

Many au old woman in Scotland has been heard 
to say that she cared little for the sense, provided she 
got " the sough (sound) of the word." 

The parishioners of Creich may have been of a dif- 
ferent opinion : — 

''At DoRNACH, the 31 of August 1623. 

" Whilk day Mr. Alexander Duff, present titular of 
the Kirk of Creich, finding himselff altogether unfitt 
to serve at the said kirk, becaus of his want of the 
Yrisch (Gaelic) toung, and the whole peopill having 
no other language, frielie dimittes and overgoes all 
richt and tittell that he has of the said kh'k. Lykeas 
thir present Synod, in respect of his non-residence at 
the said kirk, and want of the Yrisch language to 
serve the same, removes and transportes him from 
the said kirk and cure thairof. And this present 
Synod, having a cair for the said Mr. Alexander that 
he be not altogither castin louse, ordaines that he 
shall imploy his talent at the Kirk of Kilmalie, at 
the whilk there is some that has the Scotische lan- 
guage, until the said Mr. Alexander be elswhair planted 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 233 

at ane iitlier kirk wliair he may fitly serve. And for 
the mor corroboratione of the said act, and his con- 
sent thairto, he has subscryvit the same. 

" Extract out of the book of our Synod, the fyfteinth 
day of November 1623. 

(Signed) " Mr. Alexr. Cuming, 
" Clearh to the Synod" 



Mr. Stuart had not so tender a conscience as the 
minister of Creich. He was just the man to prosper 
in those (1688-89) revolutionary times. 

" Advice — Comissarie Stuart of Morray to Comis- 
sarie Patersone in Eosse : — 

" What ! are you madd ? do you intend to go 
And begg e're you subscrive a lyn or two, 
And swear as many ? you ar void of sense 
If you have such a squiniish conscience. 
But I have sworn already, you may say, 
To be a member of another way. 
What then ? and so have many more you see, 
Men both of eminent and low degree : 
Think you yourself more wise than those men are ? 
I'm sure that you ar not so rich, by farr. 
Consider, friend, if you forbear to swear. 
You lose a place of many pounds by year ; 
Consider you have neither lands nor rent. 
And what you do enjoy may soon be spent. 
Likewise you have a numerous family, 



234 SOCIAL LIFE IN FOEMER DAYS. 

Who, if you do not swear, must beggars be ; 

This is an argument which has prevail'd 

With many men, when other topiks fail'd. 

But they who, in the art of oaths, have better skill, 

Have, for a purge, prescrived this following pill : 

Take of new coyn'd distinctions ane ounce, 

A pound of the nyce quiddities of dounce, 

Three scruples of The Grievance of the ]N"ation, 

Two drams of Protestant Equivocation : 

Of ail, well mixd, compose two pills or one, 

And guild them over with Eehgion ; 

And this will purge a scrouplous conscience. 

As I have found it by experience. 

It purg'd me so that I can now digest 

The Declaration, Covenant, and Test. 

I, w^hen it served to advance my gain, 

Jure Divino Bishops did maintain, 

Treated Jack Presbiter in ridicule, 

Call'd him tub-preacher, puritan, and fool ; 

And, for to evidence I was no AATrio-a 

I wli , and drank, and danc'd the other jigg ; 

But then I learn'd for to change my coat, 
And tune my fiddle to another nott ; 
Cry'd up the right of Popish princes, and 
Stood strictly to ther absolute command. 
But, with the tymes, now I am chang'd again. 
And learn'd to chant it in another strain. 
The Pope I call Beast in the Eevelatione ; 
A Popish prince The Greevance of the Nation ; 

Bishops I call Supporters of the Wh , 

And helped for to turn them out of door. 
My only cry is now— The Cause, The Cause, 
Our sweet Eeligion, Libertys, and Laws ; 
And, that T may pass for a perfect sanct. 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FOKMEE DAWS. 235 

I cry, alace 1 the broken Covenant. 

I never stick at Scripture or tradition ; 

I'm for religion of the last edition. 

I never examine if it be the best, 

If that it may advance my interest 

I never scruple on't. Let others stray 

In the strait passage of the thorny way, 

I wil not on my liberty s incroach, 

ffor I intend to go to heaven in coach. 

Let him be worried on a dish of broath, 

Who hath not conscience to digest an oath. 

I 've sworn already, God be praised. The Test, 

The New Assurance, also, and the rest 

Of those sweet oaths of which our land hath plenty ; 

And, e're I lose my place, I'll yet swear twenty. 

I'll scrue my conscience to receive all oaths — 

Change my religion as I do my cloathes ; 

In fyne, ere I should forfeit my estate 

I'd swear allegence to Mahomet !" 



Spiritual destitution : 

'• for William King off Newmihi, 

" for the presnt at Edinburgh. 

" Elgin, 21 November 1689. 

" Much Honored,— Our church being now vaccand, 
throu laying asyd of the Bishop and minister, we in- 
treat, while ye are at Edinburgh, that ye inform your 
selfe how others in our circumstances are carieng in 
such caises, and how wee sail behave in order to the 
planting of the churches ; for it is somwhat dificult 
for us to get ministers to come and preach to us ; 



236 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 

wherfor wee would the sooner know what to doe in 
the matter, and expects your anser and advyce ther- 
anent; which will verie much obleidge, Sir, your 
humble servants, 

'• The Peg vest and Baillies of Elgin, 
" Subscryving be our Clerk, at our comand, 

" Egbert Anderson, Glerh 

" It is fitt ye supplicat the counsell to get order 
and warrand to us to choise our owin ministers, for 
we cannot continow at this rate without preaching." 



Five years later than the above : — 

'^ ffor the 3Iucli Honored William King, 

'' of Newmilu. Provost of Elgine, 

" ffor present at Edinburgh, 
'• To the care of John Anderson, wreater ther. 

"Elgixe, 14. Decemher 1694. 

" Much Honored, — As to our procedure in order 
to the caUing a minister, wee mett with the Land- 
ward Heretors, Town Counsell, and Elders, a.nd, at 
our first meeting, wee sent thrie of our number to 
speak with Mr. fforbes theranent, and to take pains 
upon him for that effect. But j\lr. fforbes refused 
and declyned to be our minister, and told, positively, Ai 
that he would not accept of our call ; whereupon wee 
keept a second meeting, and wee lited severall mini 
stars, and then (by plurality of voices) we concluded 



SOCIAL LIFE IX FORMER DAYS. 23 7 

to call Mr. Thomsone (who was supplying our vaicencie 
when ye went south), and Mr. James Oseburne (who 
was one of the members of the Committee that sat 
here in summer last), and we oppointed Loggie, Baillie 
Innes, and Clerk ]\Iunro to go to the presbetrie of 
iforres, to accquaint them therewith, and to take their 
ad\yce, in order to the forming and prosecuting of 
there call ; but, when they had spoke with the pres- 
betrie therof, they got no satisfactory anser, but only 
the presbetry insinuate to them, first, that before we 
had votted for to call any minister, we ought to have 
had one of the presbetry present at our meeting ; and, 
second, we could not expect to get Mr. Oseburne, 
because he is already called to Aberdeene, nor Mr. 
Thomson, becaus he is tender and valletudinary, and 
so not fitt for such a charge ; and, upon these grounds, 
were not free to give us any farder advyce anent pro- 
secutione of the said call. Whereupon wee called 
another meeting, this day, for advysing what methods 
to take with the presbetry, and anent the forsaid call, 
or any other ; but neither heritor nor elder keeped 
the samen, but, allenarly, the Baillies and one or tuo 
of the Counsell ; and, therefore, wee intreate ye may 
considder therof, and send us your advyse theranent, 
ffor wee stand in great need of it. As for this year s 
vaiceand stipend, wee are plagued with Mr. TurnbuU 
(who has already sold all the tynd sheawes), to give 
him up the decreets of locality, and rentall of the tynd 



238 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 

bolls ; and he has charged us with horning for that 
effect. Your bedfellow and her young sone (who is 
baptized Alexander) are both in health. So, wishing 
you good health and ane safe journey home, wee con- 
tinue, much honoured, your most obleidged servants, 
" The Magistrates of Elgin. 
" Subscrived at their command by 

"Geo. Chalmer, Glerh 

" All your family and friends are weill ; and our 
inhabitants have all payed their pollmoney, and what 
farder occurrs we shall give you accompt." 



James Gadderer, Bishop of Aberdeen, a prelate pos- 
sessing great influence, drew up, and introduced into 
the Service of the Scotch Episcopal Church, that form 
of "The Communion Office" which has been objected 
to by many members of the Church of England. 

A burning heart, with the sacred monogram I. H. S., 
pierced by a cross, and having, on the surrounding 
ribbon, ''Amor mens Griicifixiis,''^ is the beautiful 
device on the Bishop's seal : — 

'' To William King of Newniill, Esquire, 
'• At Elgin. 

"FocHABEKS, August 4:th, 1726. 

" Dear worthy Sir,— Tho' I have not much spare 
time, and am ready to leave this place on my way 

1 My love crucified. 



A 



SOCIAL LIFE IX FORMER DAYS. 239 

homeward, yet I cannot proceed without making some 
acknowledgement of your civilities, first and last. For 
you, Sir, and my other friends at Elgin have distin- 
guished yourselves in your friendship and respect for 
me : all I shall say is, that if it was as much in my power 
as it is in my inclination, my returns should keep pace 
with the obligations you lay upon me. You, Sir, have 
very much refreshed my spirit, by agreeing to my 
advice as to your future conduct with respect to my 
worthy brother, Mr. Gordon, your pastor, who is well 
qualified to direct and assist you in your most im- 
portant concerns. Your example will much strengthen 
his hands in the work of the holy ministry, as being 
the most considerable in his congregation for parts, 
influence, and fortune, which I hope you are so good 
as to employ for God's glory and the service of his 
Church. As we are united in principle, so ought we 
to be in afiection and charity, that Avith one mind, and 
one heart and mouth, we may glorify God, and be 
glorified together. 

" I took notice to you of the incompetency of the 
salary of your minister, and I cannot but recommend 
to you and to the other worthy managers, to take it 
into your serious consideration ; and 1 doubt not but 
you will easily find ways and means, without being 
too burdensome to any, to raise it to a comfortable 
maintenance for him, by letting the seats of the meet- 
ing-house at reasonable rates, and a voluntary stenting 



240 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMEE DAYS. 

of yourselves, according to your respective abilities 
and good inclinations ; and to set apart the weekly 
collections for the relief of the poor, who, I am sorry 
to hear it, have of late years been very much ne- 
glected. 

" I beg you will make my respectful service accept- 
able to your worthy relatione, and to my other friends 
with you. I heartily pray for you all, recommend- 
ing you to the protection, favour, and blessings of 
Almighty God, and I am, with a particular regard, 
dear Sir, your most affectionate humble servant, 

" Ja. Gaddeeae, 
'' Bishop of Aberdeen. 

"P.S. — I assure you. Sir, it was not Mr. Gordon, but 
one of yourselves, that prompted me in what I write 
in relation to him. Adieu." 



Baptismal regeneration : — 

" Magdalen, naturall daughter to James King and 
Janet Gumming, was, as born within the visible 
Church (without regard to the said parents), the 4th 
of September jajvijst and thirty-two years (1732), 
baptized by me, Alexe. Youngson, Minister" 



A vacancy having occurred in the Kii^k of DufFus, 
June 1736, a dispute arose between Sir Eobert Gordon 



. SOCIAL LIFE IN FOR]yIER DAYS. 241 

of Gordoiiston (acting for the Duke of Gordon then 
a minor) and Archibald Dunbar of Newton, as to the 
right of patronage. The claim of each party was laid 
before the Synod of Moray, who decided in favour of 
Mr. Dunbar ; a decision Avhich, on appeal to the Gene- 
ral Assembly, was confirmed. The correspondence on 
this subject embraces letters from the celebrated Simon, 
Lord Lovat, and there is one, of particular interest, 
from LudoAHLc Brodie, W.S., who describes how the 
clergy were feasted by the rival claimants. 

Henrietta, Duchess of Gordon, to Mr. Dunbar, who 
eventually presented the Eev. John Bower :— 

" GoEDON Castle, June 27, 1736. 

'■' Sir,— I understand the minister of DufFus dyed, 
Saturday last, and am informed there is one, Mr. 
William Collie, presently helper to Mr. Hugh Ander- 
son, minister at Drainie, ane honest sensible man, and 
weel known to the circumstances of the parish of 
Duffus, who, it is thought, would be a very fit suc- 
cessor to the deceased. If you have no particular 
objection against him, 1 shall desire the favour of your 
interest in his behalf. My son's ffactor. Doctor Stuart, 
will meet and commune with you upon this matter, 
and concurr with you in such joint measures as will 
be most expedient for this end and the good of the 
parish. Wee are, Sir, your assured friend to serve 
you, H. Gordon." 

Q 



242 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMEE DAYS. 

Keply to the Duchess of Gordon's letter : — 

" May it please your Grace, — I had the honour 
of your Grace's letter, of the twenty-seventh June, in 
favours of Mr. William Collie, with whom I have but 
very little acquaintance ; but, having occasion to see 
him at the burial of my deceast freind and minister 
of this 23arish, he told me with a great deal of honesty 
and sincerity (which I am not to doubt of), that he 
never expected to be a successor to the defunct, he 
never thought, he never heard, nor did he know, 
directly or indirectly, any manner of application made 
or to be made for him in that matter by any person 
whatsoever. 

" It is yet too early to think of any successor, as the 
defunct's relict has a legal title to the current half- 
year's stipend of cropt 1736. And, as my nighbour. 
Sir Kobert Gordon, is but unkind to me, in regard he 
has been pleased, for some years past, to cast those 
lands into ley, out of which his share and proportion 
of this stipend always was and ought to be paid, and 
to the teinds of which lands I, as patron, have un- 
doubted right, (and as I am, therby, deprived of this 
benefit, the whole, to a trifle, of this stipend falls upon 
me, which, as it is no less, by decreet of modification, 
than one hundred and twenty-eight bolls bear, three 
hundred and fifty merks of money, with sixty merks 
for communion elements yearly, is a very heavie burden 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FOEMEE DAYS. 243 

upon me), if I should find out some freind of my own 
sufficiently qualified for this charge, and acceptable to 
others as well as to me, I am hopeful your Grace 
would neither think it ofiensive nor unreasonable that 
I should give any interest I have, in favours of such 
a man, though, I assure your Grace, I would neither 
present nor recommend my brother to the parish, 
unless he was indued with all the cpalifications neces- 
sary for a minister thereof — I remain, &c. 

" Aechd. Dunbae/' 



Lord Lovat's letters are written on gilt-edged paper, 
and enclosed in envelopes : — 

'" To the HoDourable Archibald Dunbar, Esqr., 
" At his house at Duifus. 

" Beaufort, 26 ^/^ March 1737. 

" Deae Sie, — I had the honour of your letter by 
your express, late Thursday night, but, as I have been 
out of order since the beginning of this month, and 
that yesterday was my post day, it was impossible for 
me to answer your letter till this day. 

" I am exceeding glad to know that you and your 
lady are well, and having enquired at the bearer if 
you had children, he tells me that you have a son, 
which gives me great pleasure, and I wish you and 
your lady much joy of him, and that you may have 
many more, for they will be the nearest relatives I 
have of any Dunbars in the world, except your father's 



244 SOCIAL LIFE IN FOEMER DAYS. 

children ; and my relation to you is not at a distance, 
as you are pleased to call it, it is very near, and I 
have not such a near relation betwixt Spey and Ness ; 
and you may assure yourself that I will always behave 
to you and yours as a relation ought to do ; and I beg 
leave to assure you and your lady of my most affec- 
tionat regards, and my Lady Lo vat's, and my young- 
ones, your little cousins. 

"I am very sorry that you are oppressed, but I am 
surprised at nothing of that kind that comes from that 
airt. You may freely depend upon all the assistance 
in my power, and I believe I have as much to say 
with the ministers of that Synod as any one man that 
you can write to. I have three particular friends, 
beyond Elgin, that I hope will be useful to you, and 
that I will strongly solicite for that purpose ; that is 
old Mr. Gilchrist, and young Mr. Gilchrist, and Mr. 
Sim of Mortlach, who are three pretty fellows, and 
they have a great deall to say in the presbyterys that 
they are in. I shall send my letters to you, to be 
dehvered to them when you think it proper ; and as to 
the presbyterys of Inverness and Abernethy of Strath- 
spey, I shall have as much to say there as most men, 
and I shall sohcite them all, and send them a copy of 
your letter, which describes the affair better than I 
could tell it ; in short, I shall leave no stone unturned, 
in my power, to serve you. My cousin, young Ach- 
nagern, is with me here ; and Mr. Rose, the minister 



SOCIAL LIFE I^^ FORMER DAYS. 245 

of Nairn, was born in Achnagern's land, and has a 
dependence upon him, and I have begged of my cousin 
to solicite him strongly in your favours, which I hope 
will have a good effect ; and I make no doubt but you 
will carry your affair at the synod. I am sure I shall 
use all my endeavours for that effect, more than if it 
was for a settlement in the parish that I live in. You 
may expect letters from me for the two Mr. Gilchrists 
and Mr. Sim in eight or ten days, and I will send an 
express with letters to all my friends of the presbytery 
of Inverness and Strathspey, and send a copy of your 
letter in every one of my own letters, since it is the 
best account I can give of the matter. I am sorry 
that our cousin. Bailie Eobertson, is so much con- 
cerned about his late loss that he is not in condition 
to go about for you ; however, I think you should write 
to him, for you know he is an active pretty fellow. 

" I beg you give my most humble duty to your 
honest father and his family ; and I am, with a very 
sincere esteem and respect, dear Sir, your most affec- 
tionate cousin, most obedient and most humble ser- 
vant, Lev AT. 

" I will write to my friend Dalrachanie, and to my 
other allys in Strathspey, to ride about for you, on 
my account, among all the ministers in that country, 
and I will write, myself, to every one of them that I 
am acquainted with." 



246 ■ SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 

" Beaufort, ^th Apr lie 1737. 

" Dear Cousin, — This moment I got your express 
from Inverness, and I wish yon had done me the 
honour to come out this morning, that we might con- 
cert matters about your minister, since I have now 
the matter at heart as much as you have, in order to 
serve you. I beg you may do me the honour to come 
out, to-morrow morning, with my cousin. Bailie Robert- 
son, and dine with me. I offer my dear Tom my 
most sincere respects. I am heartily sorry for his loss,^ 
and if I had been in condition to go abroad, I would 
have gone to her burial, without a call. I have been 
writing, these three days past, to severall ministers 
about your affair ; and if it could do you service, I 
would write to all the ministers in Scotland, that I 
am acquainted with. I have written the inclosed 
two lines to Mr. M'Bean, and other two lines to my 
cousin, Mr. Fraser. I cannot attack Mr. Baillie of 
Inverness, because I am informed that he is, already, 
on the other side of the question ; in short, if you 
will be so good as to come here, we shall concert what 
is to be done, so far as I have interest ; for you may 
assure yourself that I am, without reserve, with a sin- 
cere esteem and respect, my dear cousin, your most 
obedient and most humble servant, Lovat.'' 

^ Thomas Robertson, bailie of Inverness, was a member of the Inshes 
family ; he had lost his wife. 



SOCIAL LIFE IX FORMER DAYS. 247 

"Beaufort, Aprile dth, 1737. 

" Dear Sir, — I did expect to have had the honour 
to see you in this house, when you was at Inverness, 
and I was a little surprised when I did not see you 
nor hear from you, after I sent you my letters for 
]\Ir. H. M'Bean and Mr. Fraser, but I suppose you 
have gone away in a great hurry. I beg leave to 
assure you, and your lady and young son, of my most 
affectionate respects, and my Lady Lovat's, and my 
young ones, your cousins. I have sent you, enclosed, 
three letters for three as pretty fellows, in my opinion, 
as is of the clergy, and they are my three intimate 
friends, and I am very sure they will serve me in 
any affair that is not against their conscience. You 
will be so kind as to send them the letters, or de- 
hver them out of your own hand, with a copie of 
your case. I find your adverse party have been very 
busy making great interest against you everywhere, 
but I beheve that the final decision must be by the 
General Assembly, where I will use my utmost endea- 
vours to do you all the service in my power. I have 
written to all the ministers of my acquaintance in 
the presbytery of Inverness, and in the neighbouring 
presbyterys of Strathspey and Badenoch, and sent them 
a copie of your first letter to me. You may assure 
yourself of any service in my power, for I am, with 
unalterable esteem and respect, dear Sir, your most 
affectionate cousin, and most obedient humble servant, 

" LOVAT.^' 



248 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 

" Beaufort, }6ih Aj^rilc 1737. 

'' Dear kSir, — I liad the lionour of your letter, with 
the state of your case as to the settlement of your 
minister. I do assure you that, in all my life, I never 
took so much pains in any ecclesiastick affair, and 
if Mr. Bowar was my brother I would do no more 
for him. I wrote to every minister, of my acquaint- 
ance, betwixt this and Keith. I had favourable answers 
from most of them, and I had a letter last night from 
my good friend Dalrachanie, who is to be at Forres as 
a ruhng elder ; he gives me good encouragement from 
the ministers of Strathspey, and, as he is married to 
my Lord Elches's sister, I am sure you will find him 
very assisting. I have beged of Mr. Thompson, who 
delivers you this letter, to let you know the disposi- 
tions of all the ministers of his particular acquaint- 
ance ; he has promised me to be for your man if it is 
not directly against his conscience. I do not doubt 
but you will carry your affair at the synod. I wish 
you good success at the General Assembly. I have 
some leadino: nien of the Church, that are in the first 
posts in the nation, who, I think, are the prettiest men 
in the Church, who are my very good friends; and 
when you think it necessary that I should write to 
them, I shall do it in the strongest terms that I can 
think of to serve you. 

" I offer you, and your lady and son, my most affec- 
tionate respects and my Lady Lovat's ; and I am, with 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 249 

a very particular esteem, and a very sincere regard 
and attachment, my dear Sir, your most affectionate 
cousin, and most obedient humble servant, 

" LOVAT.'^ 



Mr. Brodie's report : — 

" Archibald Dunbar, Esq. of Newton, Elgin, 

"Edinburgh, 20 May 1137. 

" Sir, — The appeal about the settlement of the 
parish of Duffus was, yesterday, determined, after a 
very long and full hearing which lasted from near 
twelve till five o'cloak at night, in favours of Mr. 
Bower. The votes were, for affirming the sentence of 
the synod, a hundred and twenty-two ; not affirming, 
about thirty-two ; nonliquots, about twenty ; and, for 
all this plurallity upon your side, there was never a call 
wherein greater pains was taken than Sir Kobert used 
against you. His Lady went to the west country ; 
but he himself stayed in town, went and visited the 
Commissioner, made himself apparently very great 
with him, and addresst all the members personally, 
whether acquainted with them or not, with the greatest 
earnestness. He was, since the Assembly sat down, 
always in the forenoons travelling amongst them ; and 
I believe his great assurance did him no service in 
the cause. 

'' Mr. Geddes left Lord Elchies at Aberdeen, and 



250 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 

came up here himself, and did all was possible for 
Mr. Bower. Your friend, Mrs. Peggy Dunbar, her 
sister, and Mr. Baillie, were very active for you, 
especially Mrs. Dunbar, who went through all her 
acquaintances, members of the Assembly, and engaged 
a multitude of ladys in your favours, to w^hom she 
destributed al)ove a hundred cases, and was as anxious 
and carefuU about this matter as she could have been 
in any of the greatest importance. She had a multi- 
tude of ministers every day at tea with her, particu- 
larly Mr. Gordon of Alloa, who, notwithstanding the 
letter sent him, and all she could say, was strongly 
your opposite. Sir Robert kept open table at Mrs. 
Herdman s for the clergy always, at dinner ; and they 
were bidden resort there, for breakfast, and call for 
what they pleased, on his account. We, on the other 
hand, invited and intertained as many ministers as 
we could find, for three or four successive nights, at 
supper in a tavern, which comes to no small expens ; 
but since so much hath been wared on this cause, and 
now that it was to receive a final decision, I thought 
it was a pity to lose for this. Mr. Bower s personal 
acquaintance got him almost all the members for Fife, 
and some for Perth. I wrote to Provost Hay of 
Aberdeen, who got us Professor Lumsden who spoke 
strenuously. Provost Stewart (a ruling elder), and Mr. 
Hay, minister at Crimon. Lord Lyon wrote to the ,| 
Commissioner, to Mr. Gordon of Alves, to Mr. Win- 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 251 

Chester, &c. Mr. AYinchester was of good service to 
your cause. I also spoke to Mr. Gordon very roundly ; 
but lie was immovable, and, with Squair, were con- 
stant attendants of Sir Eobert's, and strong sollicitors 
among the ministers. The express came very time- 
ously here, on Wednesday night, with the certificate 
and ministers' declaration about your being qualified, 
which was the strongest argument they had against 
you. Wee concealed the certificate of declaration till 
the cause was pled, and Sir Eobert's lawyers having 
spoke a great deal upon it. In answering their debate, 
Mr. Ffraser's certificate was produced, and read in 
open Assembly. In the reply for Sir Kobert, his 
lawyers pled everything that was derogatory to Mr. 
Ffraser's character, and produced not only a certificate 
from Burdsyards,^ absolutely bearing that you had 
never been qualified by him or his substitutes ; they 
also produced a complaint of Thomas Watson s before 
the session against James Fraser, with two wrong ex- 
tracts of the fiars and the Lords' proceedings ther- 

1 The original certificate from E.obert Urquliart of Biirdsyards, Sberiif- 
Depute of the sliire of Elgin and Forres, is among these papers. It 
" certifies and declares that Archibald Dunbar, yoimger of Newton, 
never did quality" to Government, before him or his substitute, since his 
accession to his estates ; yet it is certified by the two ministers of Elgin 
(Rev. Lachlan Shaw and Rev. Mr. Irvine), that they had read in tlie 
Sheriff-Court book that Mr. Dunbar had so qualified himself before the 
said Robert Urquhart, and that they had seen his signatiire to the c\is- 
tomary oaths, on a parchment in the hands of the Sheriff-Clerk ; and tliat 
he had truly subscribed the same. 



252 SOCIAL LIFE IN FOEMEK DAYS. 

upon, which they had sent an express for to the house 
where Mr. Watson was, that he might order his ser- 
vant to deliver them. The lawyer for you, to disprove 
these, insisted that the clerk was the proper officer 
in law, and produced the certificate by the Ministers, 
Provost, and Baillie of Elgin, which being read in 
open Assemblie, did fully convince the members that 
the certificate produced by Burdsyards was false. Sir 
Eobert had for lawyers, Mr. Archibald Murray, Mr. 
Michael Menzies, and Mr. Charles Gordon. I had 
imployed only, for you, Mr. Patrick Haldane ; and 
could get no other fit lawyer in town to add to him. 
I gave him, for drawing the case, and, at another time, 
for making remarks on this case, and for his attend- 
ance in the Assembly, six guineas. I must say he did 
acquit himself very handsomely and to advantage. 
Mr. Gordon of Alves was the first of the clergy that 
spoke against you, very warmly, for upwards of an 
hour, and took great offence at a passage, of the re- 
marks, reflecting upon him and the Committee for 
Moderation, as partial for refusing sixteen to sign by 
proxy at the Moderation without any just cause. He 
said all he could in his defence, as if he had been 
preaching, and sweat heartily at it ; but his vindication 
of himself, and all he could say, had no influence. 
Then Mr. Squair spoke, but I never heard him speak 
so ill ; what he said was perplexed and confused, 
scarcely intelligible. Next to him Mr. Miln and Mr. 



SOCIAL LIFE IX FOE^NIER DAYS. 253 

Byrne of Mortlich. Mr. Milii spoke long ; but Mr. 
Syme spoke, though to very good purpose, but short, 
because at this time the Assembly were wearied and 
anxious to have the cause determined. The Synod of 
Murray being put out, except the Laird of Grant and 
Duff of Crombie, who, being absent from the division, 
were allowed to stay in, there was then a great con- 
test about the state of the vote. It carryed ' Affirm 
the sentence of the Synod of Murray or Not ? ' Grant 
voted 'Proceed;' Mr. Crombie 'Affirm.' Sir Robert, 
while the Synod of Murray and the parties were out, 
intertained with a glass of v/ine some of his opposites, 
such as Mr. Haldon, Mr. Syme, &c., in a tavern ; but 
when partys were called in, to hear the sentence intimat 
to them, Sir Eobert, being informed that he had lost 
the cause by so great a .majority, did not return to 
the Assembly to hear the interloquiter published, and, 
I believe, will not be at the Commissioner's levee this 
day, as he usually was before. 

" This is a long narrative of the proceedings : much 
more might be said upon it, but I shall send you 
doubles of the prints, on both sides ; and for further 
information I remitt you to the ministers when they 
come home. It was moved in iVssembly to write a 
letter of apology to the Duchess of Gordon (who had 
wrote a great many letters to several of the members 
of the Assembly), in name of the Assembly, and was 
agreed to ; but whether upon second thought they will 



254 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 

write this letter or not, I know not ; the tiling is of 
no great importance to you. I am, Sir, your most 
humble servant, Lud. Brodie. 

'•' P.S. — You should return letters of thanks to Mrs. 
Dunbar and Mr. Baillie, and separately acknowledge 
the favours ; also to Lord Lyon and Mr. Winchester, 
&c. I shall send you an extract of the Assembly's 
sentence, by next ; and, instead of the ten pounds you 
designed, you must remit at least twenty pounds, per 
first." 



Sir Eobert Gordon never forgave Mr. Bower his 
success : — 

" To Mr. Archibald Dunbar, younger 
'•' of i^ewton, att DiifFiis. 

" Maxse OF Durrus, \st Septr. 1740. 

" Sir, — You may remember I w^aited off you, a day 
or two after Sir Eobert had been here, and shewed 
you the paper he had write anent what his tennants 
were resting, and told you he threatned me by calling 
me, several times, a Lyar, and that his doer att Edin- 
burgh had said I was a Fool in taking out a caption 
against him, at random, as he accounted it. I was 
then, you may remember, very uneasie with the re- 
mainder of the cholliak, I had been under att Eothes, 
and not able to endure either his threats or long com- 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 255 

pauy ; and, to be free of liim, I wrote a sort of letter 
to him, "wherein I declared, that though I had caused 
Evan Macbain, messenger, intimate to him the caption 
I had against him and the rest of the heritors for my 
stipends that were nnpayed, yet I designed not to 
execute that caption against him or the other heritors, 
till the Lords should give sentence anent a locality. 
This was the contents of the letter he gott, as, when it 
is seen, it will show. I shall be heartily sorrow if it 
any wise prejudge you ; I can assure I never designed 
it, nor, by no threats, would have been driven to it, if 
I had thought so. — I am. with all regard, Sir, your 
most obliged humble servant, 

'Mo : Bower." 



On the death of Mr. Bower, in 1748, several candi- 
dates applied for the kirk. One offered to marry " any 
particular friend or relation ; " another promised "to 
demit" when required by the patron : — 

" To Archibald Dunbar of Newton, Esq., 
" at Duffus. 

" Manse of Duffus, March 8, 1748. 

" Sir, — It is very reasonabel that you should please 
your self, as well as the parish of Duifus, in the choice 
of a minister, so I am sensibel that applications have 
been and are making to you, as patron, by several 



25 G SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 

candidates to fill that vacant church ; and, if ye will 
be pleased to prefer me, by granting a presentation in 
my favours, so as I may be settled before Michaelmas 
next, which will entitle me to that half-year's stipend 
next after expiration of the ann. at Whitsunday first, 
then, and in that case, I shall hold this lasting favour 
of your goodwilling, Avith more grateful acknowledg- 
ments than are usually paid, during all the days of my 
life. And as ye may have necessary use for seques- 
trating the first half-year's stipend, above-mentioned, 
for any particular pious use or other just intention of 
your own, I hereby promise and oblige myself, after 
ingathering of the same, to grant you my bond for 
the value, bearing interest and payable yearly, in such 
manner, and for such use and behoof as you shall be 
pleased to appoint, either for the encouragement of a 
schoolmaster, or any other use, so as I shall be no 
more than the debtoi^ borrower, and user of the said 
principal sum, for payment of the ordinary legal 
annual rent, till such time as I shall think myself in 
condition, and judge it proper for me, to pay up the 
same, so as that it may be lent out upon interest to 
any other person for the uses you may intend. And 
if ye shall judge it proper to bestow any particular 
friend or relation of yours upon me as my wife, I also 
hereby promise not only to keep my affections free, 
but also, with God's assistance, to accept of her, pre- 
ferably to any other person whatever, as my future 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 257 

spouse ; and for this effect I also hereby promise to 
take and re-enter (at least) the twenty pound sterling 
class in the Widow's funds, as the same is established 
by Act of Parliament ; and I shall always consider 
that, along with your relation, you have also given me 
one thousand pounds Scots yearly to maintain her. 
These concessions and promises as they are cheerfully 
and voluntarily made, with a sincere and faithful in- 
tention of being performed, so I leave them with what 
else you judge proper to be added, to your serious 
perusal and consideration ; and, in the meantime, I 
beg they may be secreted from the w^orld. — I am, Sir, 
your very humble servant, A. B." 



Extract from a letter from Brodie of Brodie. 
" Spynie " was grandfather of Elisabeth, last Duchess 
of Gordon :-- 

" London, Apr He 9th. 

" I hear Mr. Bower is past recovery ; so, if he dies, 
I recomend James Brodie to you, as a man cut out to 
your own mind — a good preacher, and a modest, civil, 
obliging, obedient fellow, with whom you caii be quite 
easy ; nay, you cannot find such a man for your pur- 
pose in the island. Nay, further, Spynie and I can 
become bound he shall demit whenever you are tired 
of him. 



258 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 

" Accept of all our kind compliments to you, Nellie, 
and the bairns ; and believe me, yours faithfully, 

" Alexr. Brodie. 

" The doing of this would have no other bad conse- 
quence than piquing the Laird of Gordonstown." 



Two certificates addressed to the patron, in favour 
of the Kev. Alexander Murray, the successful candi- 
date. Mr. Godsman was a Roman Catholic priest. 

" AcHANASY, June 5th, 1748. 

" Sir, — Being told that Mr. Alexander Murray, 
some time ago helper in the parish of Keith, is by 
his enemies accused of having informed against the 
poor gentlemen in distress after the battle of Cul- 
loden, I, who lived in the same parish, and was in 
distress, do certify that he was so averse from such 
ways of doing that, as far as it consisted with his own 
safety, he was willing to aid or assist them; so that he 
is aspersed most maliciously, and without any grounds, 
by his enemies ; and you may have this for a certain 
truth. I am, Sir, your most humble servant, 

" Alexander Godsman." 



"Keith, June 7th, 1748. 

" Sir, — Though we have not the honour of your 
acquaintance, yet justice to Mr. Murray's injured 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 259 

character, who, we hear, is represented to you as an 
ill-natured man and a notorious informer against 
those in distress after the battle of CuUoden (and 
especially against us and Mr. Simpson, who is at pre- 
sent out of the country), hath obliged us to trouble 
you with this, assuring that although we had the 
misfortune to fall into the hands of the King's forces, 
or at least to suffer by them, and altho' we are con- 
scious to ourselves that if Mr. Murray had been such 
a man as he is represented, he had cause of resent- 
ment, yet he was so far from informing, or taking 
the advantage of our distress, that, so far as his inter- 
est could goe, and safety permitt, he was usefuU to us ; 
and we can farther assure that Mr. Simpson looked 
upon him as the chief instrument of his liberation ; 
and instead of being in any shape an ill-natured man, 
w^e always found him most agreeable, and, in every 
thing, to act suitable to his character. As we find his 
name hath been so unjustly traduced, we think it a 
piece of material justice, so far as we can, to vindicate 
him from these malicious and invidious aspersions ; 
which we hope you will be so good as excuse from. 
Sir, your most obedient humble servants, 

" Will. Paterson. 
William Stodhart." 



260 SOCIxVL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 

We have no means of knowing how Sir Robert 
Gordon behaved to Mr. Murray, but the reverend 
gentleman, in January 1751, thus informed the patron 
of the Baronet's state of health : — 

" There has been for some time past a good deal of 
sickness amongst the country people here, and seve- 
rals are daily dieing, so that we sometimes bury at 
the rate of three a-day. Your friend Sir Robert, I 
am told, was like to have gone to the Elisian fields, 
but has so far recovered as to be able to thrash John 
Gow's wife for traveling on his forbidden ground. I 
am, dear Sir, your most obliged and humble servant, 

" Alexr. Murray." 



XXXII. WITCHES. 

As a belief in witchcraft long prevailed in Scotland, 
we are tempted to give some papers, showing how, in 
1704-5, the Magistrates and the Minister of Pitten- 
weem disgraced themselves. 

" Unto the Right Honourable the Lords of Her 
Majesties Privy Counsell, 

" The Magistrats and Toun Counsell of Pittenweem, 
and Minister and Kirk Session theirof 

" Humhlie Sheweth, 
" That wher their being att present a great many 
malifices committed upon the person of Patrick Mor- 
toun, son to Patrick Mortoun, smith in Pittenweem, 
by severall witches now in prison there, wherof the 
greatest part have already confessed to us their guilt 
in tormenting the said Patrick, and of their compact 
with the devill, and renounceing their baptism, wee 
humbly crave liberty to give your Lordships the fol- 
lowing representation of the matter of ffact, to the 
effect your Lordships may grant a commission, to 



262 SOCIAL LIFE IX FORMER DAYS. 

such as your Lordships shall think fitt, to take tiyall 
of the persons who have confessed, and others against 
whom there are not only presumptions of guilt but 
lykwise a clear probation readie to be adduced. 

" The matter of fact, in short, is as follows : — In 
the beo-innino' of March last, the said Patrick Mor- 
toune, about sixteen years of age, and free of any 
knowen vice, being imployed by his ffather to make 
some naills to a ship belonging to one of the mer- 
chants in Pittenweem, when he was working in his 
fiather's smiddie, one Beatrix Laing, who is one of 
these who have confessed, desired him to make some 
naills ifor her, which he modestly refused, in regard 
he had been already imployed to make the naills ffor 
the ship, wJiich were in haste, and could not abide 
any delay. Upon which answer Beatrix did shew a 
great deall of discontent, and went away, threatning 
to be revenged, which did somewhat ffrighten him, 
because he knew slie was under a bad ffame, and 
reputed tfor a witch of a long time. The next day, 
when he was passing the door of her house, he 
observed a timber vessell with some water and a fire 
coall in it, att the door, which made him apprehend 
that it was a charme layd ffor him, and the effects of 
her threatning ; and immediately he was seased with 
such a weakness in his hmbs that he could hardly 
stand or walk, and continued in a languishing condi- 
tion till the first of ^lay last : and the phisitians were 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 263 

imployed ffor his recovery, yet no means they could 
use had any efiect, but still grew worse, having no 
appetite, and his bodie strongely emacerated. 

" About the beginning of May his caice altered to 
the worse, by haveing such strange and unusuall fitts 
as did astonish all onlookers. His belly, att sometime, 
was distended to a great height ; at other tymes his 
breast and his back were so distended, that the bones, 
both of his back and breast, did ryse to a prodigious 
height, and suddenly fell ; and in the mean tyme his 
breathing was like to the blowing of a bellowes ; att 
other times his bodie became rigide and inflexible, 
in so much that neither his amies nor legs could be 
bowed or moved by any strength, tho' frequently 
tryed ; and all his senses benumned, and yet his 
pulse in good order. Att some tyme his head turned 
quite about, or to his shoulders, and no strength able 
to turne it back or repone it ; and was many tyme in 
griveous agonies, and sometimes in soonds ; att other 
tymes his toungue drawen back in his throatt, espe- 
ciallie when he wes telling who were his tormentors ; 
and when either the magistrats or minister did bring 
in any of these women, whom he had discovered to 
be his tormentors, before they came within the door, 
he cryed out his tormentors were present, and named 
them ; and tho' severalls present did cover his face, 
and caused severall women touch him (besides those 
he discovered to be his tormentors) by tunics, yet, 



264 SOCIAL LIFE IN FOEMER DAYS. 

when these did touch him, upon whom he made no 
complaint, no effect followed ; but upon the approach 
and touch of these whom he complained of, his 
agonies increased, and cryed out his tormentors were 
present. 

" The poor man has bein in this condition since the 
beginning of May last,' and continues to be so, have- 
ing very short inter vails ; and his condition is much 
about the same with that of Bargarran's daughter in 
the west. 

" Their are seven imprisoned, viz., Beatrix Laing, 
Isobell Adam, Nicolas Lawson, and Jane Corseitt, 
Thomas Brown, Margaret Wallace, and Margaret 
Jack. The first ffour of these have confessed their 
being guiltie of a compact with the devil, renunceing 
their baptisme, and tormenting the said Patrick Mor- 
toun, upon ane examination by us, the Magistrats and 
Minister, in the Tolbuith of Bitten weem ; and the 
other three are not only loaded by presumptions but 
fyled by the conplents, as not only guiltie of witch- 
craft but lykewayes of the malefecis upon the said 
Patrick Mortoun. 

" And seing there is here in the discoveries akeadie 
made, as to ffour of the imprisoned, a plaine confes- 
sion of there being guiltie of witchcraft and of the 
malefeices above represented upon the said Patrick 
Mortoun, and that constat de cor pore delicti; and 
lykewayes, that the rest are loaded with presump- 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 265 

tions and delated by the coiiplents as guilty, with 
themselfes, of witclicraft and tormenting of the said 
Patrick ; as also, seing it would be a great deal of 
expence to bring so many witnesses, as will be neces- 
sary to prove the different and distinct points that 
falls under probation, ffor convicting of the fornamed 
persons, and that the matter will be made more clear 
than if the same were cognosied here before the Lord 
of Justiciary, 

"May it therfor please your Lordships, in con- 
sideration of the premisses, to grant warrand 
and commission to such gentlemen or others, 
that live in and about the place, as your 
Lordships shall think fitt, to take cognition 
and tryall in this matter, and to determine 
therin by a Justiciary power from your 
Lordships, as has been frequently done in 
such cases, according to justice ; and your 
Lordships' servants will ever pray. 

" Beatrix Laing's Confession before the Magistrats 
and Minister of Pittenioeem. 

"23 May 1704. 
" Wherin she acknowledges that she was angry at 
Patrick Mortoune — the person who is tormented — 
for refusing her nails, and that she designed to re- 
venge it of him by useing the charm of the coall in 
the water, and that the devill was with her, when she 



266 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 






used the charm, and appeired to her first in the lik- 
ness of a dog, and then in the likeness of a boy, and 
said to her that he would help her to destroy the lad ; 
in order to which she made a pictur, to torment the 
lad, of whyt wax, and that there w^as none with hei- 
at the makeing of it but Nicolas Laws on, and that 
she did putt pinns unto ; and did engadge with the 
devill about tw^elve years since, and the cans that 
moved her to engadge was that she should have suc- 
cess in her merchandise, and that he appeared to her 
at that tyme in the likeness of a litle man, and the 
first thing he desyred of her was to renunce her 
baptisme, which accordingly she did ; and acknow- 
ledges that she got the devill's mark in her shoulder, 
which Avas very painfull at the tyme. 

" The Confessione of Nicolas Lawson, aneother of the 

Witches. 

" She acknowledges that she was at the makeing of 
the pictur, wherwith Patrick Mortoun was tormented, 
and acknowledges that she put in only ane pin, and 
there was about twelve pins in it, and that she did 
renunce her baptism at her first meeting with the 
devill, for which he promised her a good milk cow, 
but he never gave it ; and likewayes, acknowledges 
that the devill apperred to her since she came to 
prisone, which was upon Saturday night, the twen- 



li 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 267 

tietli of May ; and that it was a long time since she 
engadged in the devill's service ; and that she was 
Hkewayes at the meeting with the devill in Alex- 
ander M'Grigorj's house, and that ther wer present 
with her, Beatrix Laing, Janet Corfortt, Thomas 
Broun, and Isobell Adam, and some strangers, tliat 
she knew not ; and that the same Thomas Broun did 
play to them on a pype. 

" The Confession of Isohell Adam, aneother of the 
Witches. 

" Confesses that about a fourtnis^ht after Mertimess 
she came to Beatrix Laing's, and that she saw a litle 
black man with a hatt and black cloathes, sitting at 
the board end, and Beatrix said ' Heir is a gentleman 
that will fie yow, if you will not fie with me ;' upon 
w^hich she engadged, and the devill kissed her, and 
told her that he knew she was discontent with her 
lot, and that in his service she should get riches as 
much as she could wish ; and that upon New Yeir 
day therafter, the devill appeired to her in ThomriS 
Adam's house, and ther she renunced her baptisme 
voues ; and likewayes acknoledges that she w^as in 
M'Grigor's house with Beatrix Laing, Nicolas LaA\- 
son, Janet Corseitt, and Thomas Broun, upon a de- 
signe to strangle tlie said M'Grigor." 



268 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMEK DAYS. 

The unhappy fate of one of the reputed witches 
is thus described in a letter from a gentleman in 
Fife :— 

" Fthr. 5, 1705. 

" Sir, — I doubt not of your being exceedingly sur- 
prized with this short and just account, I give you, of 
a most barbarous murder, committed in Pittenweem, 
the 30th of January last. One Peter Morton, a black- 
smith in that town, after a long sickness, pretended 
that witches were tormenting him ; that he did see 
them, and know them ; and, from time to time, as he 
delated such and such w^omen to be witches, they 
were, by order of the magistrates and minister of 
Pittenweem, apprehended as such, to a very consider- 
able number, and put into prison. This man, by his 
odd postures and fits, which seemed to be very sur- 
prising at first, wrought himself into such a credit 
with the people of the place, that unless the Earl of 
Rothes, our Sheriff, had discovered his villany, and 
discouraged that practice, God knows how fatal it 
might have proved to many honest families of good 
credit and respect. Sir, however, at first many were 
deceived, yet now all men of sense are ashamed for 
giving any credit to such a person. But how hard it 
is to root out bad principles, once espoused by the 
rabble, and how dangerous a thing to be at their 
mercy, will appear by the tragical account, I give you, 
of one of these poor women, Janet Corphar. 



SOCIAL LIFE IK FORMER DAYS. 269 

" After she was committed prisoner to the tolbooth, 
upon a suspicion of her being a witch, she was well 
guarded with a number of men, who, by pinching her 
and pricking her with pins, keept her from sleep many 
days and nights, threatning her with present death, 
unless she would confess herself guilty of witchcraft ; 
which at last she did. This report spreading abroad, 
made people curious to converse with her upon the 
subject, who found themselves exceedingly disap- 
pointed. The Viscount of Primrose, being in Fife, 
occasionally inclined to satisfy his curiosity in this 
matter; the Earl of Kellie, my Lord Lyon, the Laird 
of Scots Tarves, and the Laird of Eanderston, were 
with his lordship in Pittenweem. Three of the num- 
ber went to the tolbooth and discoursed her ; to whom 
she said, that all that she had confessed, either of 
herself, or her neighbours, were lies, and cried out 
' God forgive the minister ; ' and said he had beat her 
one day with his staff, when she was telling him the 
truth. They asked her how she came to say anything 
that Avas not true. She cried out ' Alas ! alas ! I be- 
hoved to say so, to please the minister and the bailies ; ' 
and in the meantime she beged, for Christ's sake, not 
to tell that she had said so, else she would be mur- 
dered. Another time, when the Laird of Glenagics 
and Mr. Bruce of Kinross were telling her she needed 
not deny what they were asking her, for she had con- 
fessed as much as would infallibly burn her, she cried 



2 70 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 

out ' God forbid !' — and to one of the two, she said 
that from which he might rationally conclude she 
insinuat she had assurance, from the minister, her life 
should not be taken. 

" A little before harvest, Mr. Ker of Kippilaw, a 
Writer to the Signet, being in Pittenweem, Mr. Robert 
Cook, Advocate, went with him to prison to see this 
poor woman. Mr. Cook, among other questions, asked 
her if she had not renounced her baptism to the devil. 
She answered she never renounced her baptism but to 
the minister. These were her words ; what she meant 
by them I know not. The minister having got account 
of this from Mr. Cook, he sent for her, and in presence 
of Mr. Cook and Mr. Ker in the church, he threatned 
her very severely, and commanded the keeper to put 
her in some prison, by her self under the steeple, lest 
(as he said) she should pervert those who had con- 
fessed. The keeper put her into a prison in which 
was a low window, out of \\diich it was obvious that 
anybody could make an escape, and accordingly she 
made her escape that night. 

" Next day, when they missed her, they made a 
very slight search for her, and promised ten pound 
Scots to any body that would bring her back. 

" Mr. Cordon, minister of Leuchars, hearing she 
was in his parish, eight miles distant from Pitten- 
weem, caused apprehend her, and sent her prisoner 
under custody of two men, on the 30th of January, to 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 271 

Mr. Cowper, miuister of Pitteiiweem, without giving 
any notice to the magistrates of the place. When she 
came to Mr. Cowper, she asked him if he had any 
thing to say to her. He answered ' No.' She conld 
get lodging in no house but with one Nicolas Lawson, 
one of the women that had been called witches. Some 
say a bailie put her there. 

" The rabble hearing she was in town, went to Mr. 
Cowper, and asked him what they should do with her ? 
He told them he was not concerned ; they might do 
what they pleased with her. They took encourage- 
ment from this to fall upon the poor woman, those of 
the minister's family going along with him, as I hear. 
They fell upon the poor creature immediately, and 
beat her unmercifully, tying her so hard with a rope 
that she was almost strangled ; they dragged her 
through the streets and alongst the shoar by the 
heels. A bailie, hearing of a rabble near his stair, 
came, wdiich made them immediately disappear ; but 
the magistrates, though met together, not taking care 
to put her into close custody for her safety, the rabble 
gathered again immediately, and streached a rope be- 
twixt a ship and the shoar, to a great height, to which 
they tyed her fast ; after which they swinged her to 
and fro, from one side to another, in the meantime 
throwing stones at her from all corners, until they 
were weary ; then they loosed her, and with a mighty 
swing threw her upon the hard stones, all about being 



272 SOCIAL LIFE iX FORMEE DAYS. 

ready in the meantime to receive her with stones and 
staves, with w^hich they beat her most cruelly. Two 
of her daughters came, upon their knees, begging to be 
allowed one word of their mother before she expired ; 
but that being refused, the rabble threatning to treat 
them in the same manner, they went off. The rabble 
never gave over till the poor wretch was dead ; and, 
to be sure she was so, they called a man with a horse 
and a sledge, and made him drive over her backward 
and forward several times. When they were sure she 
was killed outright, they dragged her miserable carcass 
to Nicolas Lawson's house, where they first found her ; 
laying on her belly a door of boards, and on it a great 
heap of stones. 

" There was a motion made to treat Nicolas Lawson 
after the same manner immediately, but some of them, 
being wearied with three hours' sport, as they called it, 
said it would be better to delay her for another day s 
divertisement ; and so they all went off. 

" It is said that Mr. Cowper, in a letter to Mr. 
Gordon, gave some rise to all this ; and Mr. Cowper, 
to vindicate himself, wrote to Mr. Gordon, whose re- 
turn says if he were not going to Edinburgh, he would 
give him a double of his letter. It is strange he sent 
him not the principal. In the postscript he assures 
him he shall conceal it to meetino'. . 

o 

" It is certain that Mr. Cow^per, preaching, the 
Lord's -day immediately after, in Pittenweem, took no 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 273 

notice of the murder, which at least makes him guilty 
of sinful silence. Neither did Mr. Gordon, in his 
letter to Mr. Cowper, make any regrate for it; and 
this some construe to be a justifying of a horrid 
wickedness, in both. 

" We are perswaded the Government will examine 
this affair to the bottom, and lay little stress upon 
what the magistrates or minister of Pittenweem will 
say to smooth over the matter, seeing it is very well 
known that either of them could have quashed that 
rabble, and prevented that murder, if they had ap- 
peared zealous against it. 

" I am sorry I have no better news to tell you. 
God deliver us from those principles that tend to 
such practices. — I am. Sir, your humble servant. 



Note. — The petition from the magistrates and the 
minister of Pittenweem, and the confessions of Beatrix 
I^aing, Nicholas Lawson, and Isobel Adam, are copied 
from an old manuscri23t. The letter from a gentle- 
man in Fife is copied from a printed paper. Both 
documents are at Duffus House, Elgin. 



XXXIII. FUNERALS AND FUNERAL LETTERS. 



The lady whose funeral charges follow, was the 
" Bettie'' to whom Dr. Innes of Elgin prescribed the 
"gilded pills" (see page 20). She died in Edinburgh. 

''May 5th, 1732. — Accompt of the funirall charges 
of Mrs. Elizabeth Dunbar, dispurst in the Grayfriers 
church yeard, be John Antonius, wright : — 



For a warrand to break ground, 

For the mort-cloatli, 

For the trufp, 

To the bell men, 

To the grave men, . 

To the recorder. 

To the poors' box, . 

To the common poor at the lodging, 

To the common poor and blew-gowns' boxes at 
Grayfriers, 

To a hearse velvit pall, with six horses, . 

Two mourning, and two other plain, coaches. 

For a fine coffen, with fine polished iron work, 
and mourning cords, and least with white 
tackets, and kane within by way of sheer 
cloath, 



Sterliu 
£ sh. 
. 01 05 


g- 
d. 

00 


. 01 


01 


06 


. 00 


10 


00 


. 00 


04 


00 


. 00 


05 


00 


. 00 


01 


00 


. 00 


02 


00 


. 00 


01 


00 


. 00 


01 


00 


•lo. 


05 


00 



04 00 00 



£09 05 06' 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 275 

Torches were used at the funerals of the Northern 
nobility and gentry. 

"Account — The Earl of Sutherland to Archilmld 
Dunbar of Newton : — 

1733. 

September. To fortj^-eight flambeaus, furnished at Elgin for 
his grandfather's funerals, weighing eighty-seven and 
a half pounds, and appreciat by Bailie Mackenzie, 
apothecary, and Ludowick Gordon, merchant in Elgin 
(as two men of skill), at three shillings per pound ; 
which Mr. Macalister, by his letter (of date 17th 
January 1734), promises to pay quickly, and com- 
plains of the cost, else he had paid, before, that de- 
mand, £13, 2s. 6d. 
To horse-hyre from Elgin to Burghead, where tlie boat 
lay. Is. 

" N.B, — These four dozen of flambeaus were in the 
house after Lady Thunderton's funerals, and though 
Mr. Dunbar has no knowledge of the price or value, 
yet he is apt to think the appretiators have valued 
them extravagantly, and therefor he submits this 
article to be reduced to reason.'^ 



In Morayshire no funeral took place without a 
hospitable supply of good cheer for those who at- 
tended, but the expense so incurred was trifling, 
compared with the present price of provisions. With 
strong old claret at fourteen pence per bottle, twelve 



276 SOCIAL LIFE IN FOEMEE DAYS. 

chickens for sixteen pence, and eggs at one penny 
per dozen, there was a wide margin for a sum total 
of twenty-one pounds, eight shillings, and tenpence 
sterling, which was the whole expense (including 
coffin, hearse, gratuity to the poor, expresses with 
the burial letters, etc., etc.), of the funeral of which 
tw^o of the accounts are given. 

" To Robert Innes, merchant in Elgin, for sundrys 
furnished to the deceast Robert Dunbar of Newtowns 
ffuneralls, viz. :— 

1742. £ sk. d. 

Sept. 26. To Zerrey wine, for two botles, the 
empty botles retiirned, . 
To claret, for two botles, . 
To do. more, for six botles do., . 
To brandy, for six botles, . 

27. To strong old claret, for one dozen, 

botles being returned, . . .0140 
To two dozen, smaller old claret, botles 

being returned, . . . . 1 04 

28. To cash, for tliirteen loads of peats to 

ffuneral house, . . . . 04 4| 
To four dozen more, smaller old claret, 

botles returned, . . . . 2 08 
To Zerrey, for one dozen, botles being 

returned, 14 

29. To new claret, for one dozen, . .0120 
To sugar, for four pounds, twelve 

ounces, at three pence half penny, 3 4 






2 


4 





2 








6 








6 






£6 16 OJ 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 



211 



Mi^. Xairn's accouDt for bakeiiio- and cooking 




sh. 
9 


d. 



Six pecks flower, nsed at Duffus and Elgin, . 




8 





Five dozen of ale, strong and small, 




5 





A leg of beef, 

A side of mutton, 




6 
2 



2 


Six hens, 




2 





Twelve chickens, . . " . 




1 


4 


Five dozen eggs, 







5 


Five ducks, 




2 


6 


Two tongues, ...... 







8 


Pigeons, patridges, marrow tarts, and apples, 


anc 






a hare, and cod, 




5 





Two turkeys, 

A hawm, 




2 
4 






A haK ston of butter, 




3 





Five pounds moulded candles. 




2 


6 




£2 


13 


7 











The funeral of the Duchess of Buckingliam is thus 
alluded to in a long letter, dated 9th April 1747, 
from Brodie of Brodie, then in London attending his 
Parliamentary duties : — 

" The fracka of the Dutches of Buckingham's 
parade through the streets you will see in the prints. 

"Yesterday was a very cold day, and she kept 
many thousands waiting the show, by which she 
killed more since her death, than she did while alive 
with all her charms. For the effigie of her, taken in 
wax work, and carried on the pall above the coffin, 



2 78 SOCIAL LIFE IN FOEMER DAYS. 

was immently beautiful!, according to her orders, 
although that figure was taken while on her death- 
bed. At that time she sent to the Dutches of 
Marlboro for a sight of the pall used at the Duke's 
burial ; to which her Grace made answer that she 
would not, since she believed she intended it as a 
pattern for her own, and it did not become her Grace 
to be buried with the same magnificence as the Duke 
of Marlboro. To which Dutches Buckingham re- 
turned, for answer, she only wanted to see it that hers 
might not be of the same fashion with her father's 
Page. In short, the many idle, vain, ridiculous storys 
we hear of her Grace, just now, would fill a quare of 
paper." 



The practice, now so common, of hiring experienced 
waiters, to hand the wine, etc., is not of yesterday :— 

" To the Eelict of the Minister 

" of Duffus. 

" Elgin, mth July 1736. 

" Mrs., — I wrote to you before, with John Forsyth, 
to send me my wages for the attending your hus- 
band's funerals, and for receaving the wins, and 
comming alongst with them to Duffus, which your 
servant cann tell you ; and for serving that day till 
after dinner. I told you, in my last letter, what 
was the ordinar I used to gett in Elgin ; and for my 
comeing to Duff"us, I did referr to your selfe. If you 



i 



SOCIAL LIFE m FORMER DAYS. 279 

do not send me payment by the berar, I will cause 
Deacon Blenshell pay me, whether he will or not, 
because he imployed me for that purpose. I know 
you do not understand the matter, utherwayes I 
would been payed or this time. I expect your an- 
swer, by this berar, whither or not, in wreating ; and 
I am, Mrs., your most humble servant, when called, 

" John Hay." 



Funeral letters were, generally, written on foolscap 
paper having a small edging of black, and sealed with 
the family arms. The large size of the paper formed 
a striking contrast to the brevity of the contents. 

The Countess was wife of Alexander, fourth Earl 
of Moray, and daughter of Sir William Balfour of 
Pit cull o. 

" For James Dunbar of Inchbrok. 

" From Castlestewart, January 5th, 1683. 

"^ " Sir, — I doe intend the funerall of the Countess 
of Morray, my mother, upon Wednesday the 17th of 
January instant, to which I intreat your presence, be 
eleven a clock, att Darnuay, from thence to her buriall 
place in Dyke ; and this last Christian duty shall verrie 
much obleidge, Sir, your assured to serve you, 

'' DOUNE." 



280 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMEE DAYS. 

Thougli much cast down by his wife's death, the 
Laird of Barmiickatie wished to have fashionable 
linens, holster-tops, and hose. He also determined 
that the invitations to the funeral should be sealed 
with his own coat-of-arms : — 

" For Mr. Archibald Dunbar of Thundertoun, 
To the care of George Sutherland, 

Master of the Eoyall Cofe-hous, 
E dinburgh — Heast. 

"Inverness, December 31, 1700. 

" Loving Beothee, — On Sabothday's night last I 
cam here, which was the night after Barmukaty's lady 
expired, who, as I am informed, dyed weall and per- 
fect. Ye know his present condition is such that he 
canot write to you by reason of his great affliction, 
onlie desires ye may reade, seall, and deliver the in- 
closed to his ffaither, and keepe him in mind of the 
contents thereof. Ye will write to Barmukaty by the 
first, and acquaint him of the fashion of linings proper 
to be worn, with the fashion of holster-topes and hous. 
Ye will likeways buy ane steell seall, for his use, and 
cause cut his name and airmes thereon, which ye will 
send, whousoon ready; and at meeting ye will be satis- 
fied ; therfor leat all be dispached to the caire of Mr. 
Blak, regent, or Mr. William Smith, who will fordward 
them here by our post. I expect to here from you 
myselfe with the occurranse ; which is all, with our 
servise, and I ever am your afiectioned brother, 

" R DUNBAE." 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FOEMER DAYS. 281 

Eobert Gibson of Liiikwood, writer of the following- 
letter, eventually " turned furious," and, for lack of a 
more suitable asylum, was confined in the jail of Elgin, 
where, " for preventing of harm to the neighbourhood," 
he remained, for many years, till his death : — 

" if or Mr. Archibald Dunbar of Tliundertoim. 

"Elgin, 23d October 1701. 

" Sir, — Your sometyme landslord and my nybur 
has takin his eternall ffairweill of you, and is inttered 
this day betwixt two and thrie aclok. I hope ye will be 
so Creistianlie inclyned as to weip four tie dayes weip- 
ing and walling ifor him, because of his honestie. All 
your uther fireinds heir ar in good helth, for ought I 
knowe. I wishe you ane nierrie Cusenmess. — I ame, 
Sir, your atfectionat cusin, Robert Gibson." 



We can, unfortunately, give no information about 
''the Laird" who borrowed the black suit : — 

•' ifor The Laird of Thunderton. 

" Much Honoured, — The Laird is gone to my Lord 
Balantirs buriall, this morning, and your black cloaths 
ar on him as yet, but you will have them, to-morrows 
morning be seven a clock. This is all att the tyme, 
and I am, as becomes, much honoured, your most obe- 
dient and ever obliged servant, 

" Alexr. Spens." 



282 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMEE DAYS. 

Tlmnclerton House, in which Lord Huntly wished 
to entertain the company, attending the funeral of 
xllexander, second Duke of Gordon, was a noble- 
looking mansion, with a square tower and balcony. 
We much regret its demolition in modern times/ 

" The Much Honoured 

" The Laird of Thundertoun. 

" Gordon Castle, Deer. 9th, 1728. 

" Sir, — I shall have occasion for a house in Elgin, 
to entertain the company at my father, the late Duke 
of Gordon's, buriall. As none in that toun is so fitt 
for me as yours, I expect, from the friendship which 
has been between this family and you, that you will 
allow me the use of it for some days, and that my 
friend the Lady Thundertoun ^vill consent to take 
some trouble on this occasion. I offer her ladyship 
my kind service ; and I am, Sir, your humble ser- 
vant, 

" Huntly." 



1 It was, we believe, originally known as "The King's House." In 
1601 it belonged to the three daughters of the deceased James Dunbar 
of Westiield (as heirs of tlieir father, and of their great-grandfather, Sir 
Alexander Dunbar, Sheriff of Moray), and was designated "The Sheriff's 
House." We are unable to say when the Earl of Moray became pos- 
sessor of the house, but he sold it in 1653 to Lord Diiffus, who bound 
the Earl, however, to defend bim against all claims from the heirs of 
John Dunbar of Westfield. About fifty years thereafter, it became the 
property of Archibald Dunbar of Thuuderton, and, after nearly a century, 
it was sold, in 1800, by Sir Archibald Dimbar, to John Batchen, who 
took down the greater part of the house, and feued out its grounds, — ■ 
now forming Batchen Street and adjacent lanes. See Vignette. 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FOEMER DAYS. 283 

Mr. Gumming of Logic seems to have borne his loss 
with much resignation : — 

" To The Laird of Newton, Younger, 

" At Duffus. 

" LoGGiE, January I8th, 1734. 

" Sir, — As it hath pleased God, in his wise provi- 
dence, to remove my dear wife, I am determined to 
bury her, Tuesday next, since the body can keep no 
longer. I therefore intreat the honour of your pre- 
sence here, by ten a'clock that day, which will very 
much obledge. Sir, your most humble servant, 

"Alexr. Gumming.'' 



The presence of Mr. Forbes under such circum- 
stances was not desirable :— 

" To Archibald Dunbar of Duffus, Esqr., 
'' Elgin. 

" Tuesday, 28th Sept. 1742. 

" My dear Sir, — I told you that I could not doe 
myself the honour to witness the interment of your 
worthy father. This is to tell you that I have been 
drinking, this whole day, with our Magistrats and 
Town Gouncill (God bless them), and am, just now, 
almost unfitt for your conversation ; and therefor 
choose to goe home rather than expose my self ; whicdi 
I hope you will approve off. I hope you will ever 
believe that I am, with the greatest faith and truth, 
my dear Sir, yours to serve you, Will. Forbes." 



XXXIV. WILL OF THE DEAN OF 
SALISBUEY, 1618. 

John Goedon, Dean of Salisbury, was a son of 
Alexander, Bishop of Galloway, only brother of that 
Earl of Huntly who was slain at Corrichie. He died, 
3d September 1619, in the seventy-fifth year of his 
age, and was buried at the place pointed out in his 
wiU. 

His w^idow, Dame Geneviev Petaw (a French lady), 
died at Gordonston, 6tli December 1643, in the 
eighty-third year of her age, and was buried at Kin- 
nedder in the county of Moray. 

Louise, only child of the Dean, married Sir Eobert 
Gordon of Gordonston, second son of the Earl of 
Sutherland, on the 16th February 1613. Of this 
marriage there are numerous descendants. 



I 



" Anno Domini 1618, Die 16, Menss Septembris. 

N THE Name of God the Eternall, called in 



THE Hebrew, JEHOVAH ELOHIM, one in 

substaunce or essence, and three in subsistence or I 
persone, I, Jean Gordon, borne in Scotland, of the I 



SOCIAL LIFE O FORMER DAYS. 285 

House of Huiitly, Doctor of Divinitie, and Deane of 
the Cathedrall Church of Salisburie, being in health of 
body and of minde, now of the age of seventy-four 
years, beginning the ffirst of September last past, 
prayes the said Eternall and Allmightie to direct my 
minde by His Holy Spirit, that 1 may make this my 
latter will and testament, in such a manner as shall be 
agreeable and conforme to His Divine Majesties will. 
Imprimis, I give thankes to the saide God, all power- 
full and all bountifull, that He made me to bee in- 
structed and taught, from my youth up, in scholes 
and collidges, as well in Scotland as in ifraunce, in all 
good discipline and liberall arts and sciences, and in 
the knowledge of the Greeke and Hebrew languadges, 
and other Orientalls ; and, by that meanes, called me 
from the invocation and adoration of creatures in- 
feriors to the saide Holy and Blessed Trinitie, practised 
in the now Romaine Church, and other new erronious 
doctrines of trans-substantiation and adoration of the 
hostiamissalis exercised therein ; and hath called mee 
to the reformed Church of England, Scotland, and 
Ireland ; protesting by me, before the Eternall and 
Allmightie God, and before the celestiall powers, arch- 
angells, angels, cherubins and seraphines, and all other 
His ministeriall spirites, that by the grace of God and 
the assistaunce of His Holy Spirit, that I shall con- 
stantly persevere and continue, unto the seperation of 
my soule from my body, in the doctrine of salvation. 



286 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 

now preached in the said Church. I give also thankes 
to the said Holy Trinitie, who, after I had bine gentle- 
man of three Kinges chambers in ffrance, to wit, 
Charles the Ninth, Henery the Thirde and Fowerth, in 
the flower of my adge, and there was assailed with 
many corruptions, as well spirituall as temporall, and 
many dangers of my life, that my said Lord and 
Saviour did miraculusly preserve me and deliver me 
from all the said daunger, and called me by King 
James, my dread soveraigne's gratiosness, to this habi- 
tation in Ingland, and to this holy ministerie, being 
then fifty-eight yeares of adge ; and that from that 
time the said most gratious God hath opened to me, 
allthough unworthy, the intelligence, in such a mea- 
sure as hath pleased His Godly Majestic, of His Holy 
Scriptures, and of the high and deepe mysteries of life 
eternall ; most humbly craving from His gratiousnesse 
that He will be pleased to augment in me, His un- 
worthy servant, the knowledge of the saide misteries ; 
and, that I may leave to posteryty all the bookes that 
I have written, both in Latine and also in Inglish, in 
matters of religion, praying ernestly Sir Robert Gor- 
don of Sudderland, my soone-in-lawe, that if God 
shall call mee to His hevenly kingdome before I may 
publishe the saide bookes, that he will be carefuU of 
them, that they that are in Inglishe be published in 
Scotlande, and these which are in Latine, beyond the 
seaes, so that the greate and long labors and paines, 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 287 

that I, by the grace of God, have bestowed in compos- 
ing the saide bookes, be not loosed. Now, because the 
Apostell, Heb. ix. ver. 27, hath taught me and all 
Christians that Statutum est Jwminihus semel morl, 
2:)ost autem hoc judicium, — It is ordained to men once 
to die, and that after that is judgment, — I believe con- 
stantly and firmly in Christ's Scaying, in St. John's 
Gospell, chap. v. ver. 24, Qui verhum meum audit, et 
credit ei qui misit me, hahet vitam eteniam, et in 
judicium non venit,sed transiuit a morte invitam^; — He 
that heareth my word and beeleveeth in Him who hath 
sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not com into 
condemnation, but is passed from death unto life ; — and 
therefore (seing that God hath given me an assured and 
stedfast faith that the Eternall Father hath sent His 
Eternall Sonne in this worlde, for to redeem e, from 
Satan, hell, and condemnation, all faithfull beeleevers, 
acording to His eternall forknowledge, purpose, elec- 
tion, predestination, effectuall vocation, and viuificant 
justification and sanctification), that I, beeing of the 
number of them, by His only grace and mercy, shall, 
after the seperation of my soule from this corruptible 
body, receive glorification, fiirst in my soule, and after- 
ward in my body, wdien, at the time apointed in God's 
eternall councell, the bodyes of all men shall be resus- 
citated and immortallised, and rejoyned with their 
soules ; that as we beleeve in the Holy Trinity, and 
are baptised and speritually regenerated by Avater 



288 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 

and the Holy Ghost, by the which ^Ye are made the 
adopted sonnes of God, and allso our bodyes are nurr- 
ished and fedd by participation and communion with 
the spirituall fleshe and blood of Christ, the which is 
in our bodyes a seede of imortalitie, by the which, as 
Christ promised, our bodyes shall bee resuscitated to 
injoy with our soules eternall life ; that as wee glorifie 
and worshipp the Holy Trinitie in this ^vorlde with our 
bodyes and soules united in one person, called man, 
that evin so we shall after this life and the resurrec- 
tion, w^e beeing made perfet men, wee shall worshippe 
and glorifie Him eternally in His triumphant Church, 
with sperituall hymnes and songes, prayses and 
thankesgiving, in the society of all His holy archangels 
and angels ; and, seeing that sinne and death was 
brought in this worlde by Satan, and by it death, and 
that the Eternall Sonne of God did suffer death, in His 
human nature, to deliver and save all faithfuU beeleev- 
ers from eternall death, and not from the first and 
corporall death, I confesse that all wee of this ellected 
flocke must suffer the death of our bodyes, and therby 
are partakers of the sufferinges of Christ; and that 
thearby wee, persevering to the end in true faith, 
working by charitie, shall be pertakers of His glory ; 
and I protest before His Divine Majestic that I have a 
firme faith and hope, by His grace to attaine to that 
selfsame glorification, beeing purged from all my 
sinnes by the unspeakable suffraunces of my Lord, 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 289 

mv God, and Saviour, reuoiincino' to all merites 
of myself, or any otliers, angels or men. Allso, 
because I am bound to be carfull of my wife and 
familie, and to dispose to their profitte tlie goodes, 
landes, and possessions which God hath liberally and 
miraculusly given me, I refer the dispositions of all 
that I have in ffraunce, to the donation which I have 
made heartofore to Geneviev Petaw, my loving wife, 
and to Sir Eobert Gordon, and Lucie Gordon, my only 
childe, his wife ; praying them all that they will end- 
vor themselfes to be rioiited ao:ainst the wrono^es that 
I have suflfered, by my absence from ffraunce, against 
all the lawes and customes of that kingdome. As for 
my goodes and moveables, and house situat in the 
Close of Sarum, my will is that they be sould, and 
that the one halfe of the money shall bee for the 
use of my wife her life during (the which shee shall 
leave after hir to my saide sonne and daughter), the 
which moietie, with the other that I give by this my 
will to them, shall be by them injoyed theire life- 
during, and then shall leave both the saide moities to 
the children gotten and to be begotten of them ; and, 
to that efiect, both the saide moities shall be employet 
in leases or other purchises, which my wife and they 
shall injoy (as said is) theire life-during, and shall 
leave the proprietie thereof to theire saide children ; to 
the performaunce wheareof I charge them, in ihe name 
of God, as they shall awnsweare to God at the fearfull 

T 



290 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 

day of judgment. My mil allso is that the goiild 
and money that shall be found in my possession, or 
shall bee due to mee by bandes or billes at the time of 
my death, shall remaine to my saide wife only, whome 
I do charge with the costes of my buriall (and not my 
Sonne and daughter), and with the doles that shee may 
give to the poore at the time of my buriall ; wilhng 
my body to be buried before my seate in the quier, 
and I refer to my saide wife the forme and manner of 
my saide buriall. To my loving wife allso I give the 
some of forty poundes to bee laide in a stocke, and 
that the use of the said stocke shall be kept for the 
maintenaunce of poore boyes of the choristers, for the 
space of three yeares, during the which they may be 
provided other ways, and that after they goe from the 
quier, (not comprehending in this guift those boyes 
who have parents to meintaine them, to whome, at 
theire going forth, shall be given, every one, forty 
shillinges) ; and this stocke be put in Chamber of 
the Cittie, which shall be bound to pay yearly the use 
thereof to such one that shall be appointed by the 
Deane and Chapter of Sarum, to whome he shall ren- 
der accoumpte. I give allso to my servantes, men 
and women, a yeare of theire wadges and hire, during 
fower termes that shall fall out after my death. I 
give to the library of the church the tomes of the 
Annales of Barronius, togither with such bookes as I 
have or shall have the day of my deaceas, to the use 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 291 

of til em that will studdie on them in the saide library. 
I ordayne that the debtes which I may be owing, the 
day of my death, in this kingdome of Ingland, bee 
payed on my annus post ^mortem, and especially, if 
Grod call mee before the hearnestes of my personadges, 
that which shall be repaied to the baylife of them for 
the termes of Christmas, the Annuntiation, and Mid- 
somer, if they have paid them or any of them during 
my hfe, and that the rest of the saide annus post 
mortem remayne to my saide lovinge wife only, who 
shall paye the saide debtes to the concurrens and 
vallues of the said annus, I doe make and ordayne 
my saide loving deare wife to bee the whole execu- 
trix of this my saide last will, referring all other 
thinges to her conscience and discretion. In witnesse 
wheareof I have written with my owne hand, and 
have subscrivit with my ordynary singe, this my will, 
the day and year above-mentioned. 

" J. Gordon." 



XXXV. CATTLE-STEALING. 

The plains of Moray were subject to constant 
incursions by the Highlanders, who " lifted cattle," 
took whatever fell in their way, and returned to their 
hills with the booty. Cluny Macpherson thus writes 
to the Baronet of Grordonston : — 

" Cluky, 6 Now. 1676. 

" Eytt Honokible, — I received ane lyne from you 
directed to Nuid^ and me, showeing that you are in- 
formed the Claneranald are in some place in the Breay 
of Murray, which if they be, treuly it is unknowen to 
me ; but it is wery probabile they may be their or els 
wheir at this tym. Therfor it is my advice to your 
honour, that you cawse your people of Dollase look 
well to their cattel, and let them waitch, every neight, 
souch of their beasts as ar not housed, aithervayes 
they may come to misse a pairt of them ; for our con- 
try watch is, ere now, dissolved for this year. Therfor 
let your people be cairfuU, and your honour shall fynd 
that I shall doe them, on your accompt, all the good 
service that lyes in the power of, Eyt Honoribie, yors 
asuiredly to serve you, D. M'Pherson. 

'' Macpherson of Nuid. 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMEE BAYS. 293 

" SiE, — I received in September last your papers 
againest Drumond, sent to me by Connadge who is 
coosen germond to Drumond, and before the papers 
cam to my hands Drumond was putt on his gaird, 
and eafter sending of ane party horse, I could not get 
ane sheight of him, but, if I be ane leiveing man, I 
shall be about with him some one way or another/' 



Some of the Strathspey Highlanders had '' lifted" 
cattle belonging to Sir JRobert Gordon, who, in October 
1691, sent a messenger to cite the Laird of Grant as 
answerable for his clan ; Ijut it was a dangerous enter- 
prise to enter the Strath on such an errand : — 

" I, Hugh Thaine, messenger, heirby declaire that I 
am not at this tyme able to goe the length of Edin- 
burgh, by reasone of sickness and unabilitie of body, 
haveing beine now sex or seven weeks wery unabell, 
by reasone of the hard usage I mett with in Strath- 
spey, in the wood of Abernethie ; and therefor I doe 
heirby dyser, and give full power to, Sir Eobert Gordone 
of Gordonstoun (who did imploy me about executing 
of Councell leters in that place) to suplicat the Lords 
of ther Majesties Privie Concill, or any other of ther 
Majesties Judges to whom it may belonge, that the 
saids Lords or Judges may, in ther prudence, apoynt 
some way for reddressing and punishing the al)usses 



294 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 

coiuitted, against the law and government, npon my 
persone and those in my company, which wer as 
foUowith, viz. : — I (having upon the fyftinth of Octo- 
ber last citted some wittneses, and upon the sextinth 
therof citted the Laird of Grant, and upon the seven- 
tinth therof, be eight houres in the morning, as I went 
about three myles from Ballichastell towards Culnakyle, 
both the Laird's houses, at a place called Craigemur, 
at the wood of Abernethie) and three men, called Peter 
Morison in Fochabrs, John McEdwart in Glenrinnes, 
and Alexr. Bogtoan in Khieclehik, that were with me, 
were seized upon be a pearty of armed men, who most 
maisterfullie and v^iolently struk me with ther gunnes, 
gave me a stobbe with a clurke in my shoulder, and a 
stroak with my owen sword ; robbed me of my money, 
my linnens, some cloathes, my sword and provision, 
and of the principel Councell leters many coppies 
therof, and uther papers ; then bound me and my 
compeny, and allways threatned me with present 
death for excecuting the forsaid leters, and examined 
me on oath whither any of those men did belonge to 
Gordonstoun, that they might instantly kill him; and 
offred his liffe to any one of our company that wold 
hange the rest of us ; therafter laid us down and 
secured us with horse-roaps on the ground within the 
wood, wher we leay in cold, hunger, and great miseris 
for four dayes and three nights, threatned hourly 
with present death. My conditione of healthe is welle 



SOCIAL LIFE m FORMER DAYS. 295 

kuowen to tJie minister and nighbours in the paroch 
wlier I live, and may be atested be tliem if neid 
require. In testimony of the verity heireof, I have 
written and subscribed ther presents with my hand, 
at Fochabes, the fourt day of December jajvcj nynty 
one yeires (1691)." 



A friendly message had more effect on Macdonald 
of Keppoch, than the legal summons had on the Laird 
of Grrant : — 

'•• fFor LODOTIC GORDONE, 

" Brother to Sir Robert Gordone 

" off Gordonstone — These : 

" the Sth Awjust 1693. 

" Sir, — I receaved yours, but er it came to my 
hands I ordred the restoreing of your brother's goods, 
haveing gotten ane lyne from Alexr. Gordon off Crom- 
dell, informeing that some off this cowntriemen had 
taken nintine heads of catles from Sir Kobert Gordon ; 
soe that ye may send the owners off the said goods 
my lenth about the twentieth instant, that they may 
carry home their goods. I am very sorrie that any of 
my people should have medled with your brother's 
interest, and I resolve to punish them for it, besyds 
the restitutione of the goods ; and ye may assurr your 
selfe that no Gordon shall be wronged by any ^\ hom 
I can stope or lett, and, particuUarlie, yoiu^ brother is a 



296 SOCIAL LIFE IN FOEMER DAYS. 

man whom I resolve to serve in any thing lyes in my 
power. — I am, Sir, your most humble servant, 

" Coll. Mackdonald." 



Answer to the above : — 

" Sir, — I receaved yours, and am very sensible o± 
your readinesse to doe a kindnesse to my brother or 
any of his concernes ; of which I was allwayes con- 
fident ; wherfor I have now, according to your ap- 
pointment, sent some of the owners of the goods to 
know their beasts ; and I intreat you, Sir, that with 
the rest of your favours, you will be pleased to send a 
guaird back with this countrymen the length of the 
Braes of Badenoch, otherwayes they may come to loose 
their travell, and be necessitat to give you a new 
trouble, which I doubt not but you will prevent ; for 
all which trouble, I assure you, Gordonstoun will be 
your debtor, and also he who is still yours, &c. 

'' L. GrJ' 



XXXVI. JOHN, EAKL OF SUTHERLAND : 
HIS INFLUENCE AND POWER. 

Deputation of Lieutenancy : — 

" I, John, Earl of Sutherland, Lord Strathnaver, 
&c., Heretable Sheriff, Lord of Regality, and Crowner 
of the County of Sutherland, Heretable Admiral of 
the Countess of Sutherland and Caithness, Vice- 
Admiral of the Stewartry of Orkney and Zetland, 
Lord-Lieutenant of the Counties of Elgine, Nairn, 
Inverness, Ross, Cromertie, Sutherland, and Caith- 
ness, and of the Stewartry of Orkney and Zetland, 
President of the Court of Police in Scotland, Lieu- 
tenant-General of his Majesty's Forces, and Knight 
of the most antient and most noble Order of the 
Thistle ; By these presents nominate, constitute, and 
appoint Mr. Archibald Dunbar of Thunderton, to be 
one of the Deputy-Lieutenants in and for the said 
county of Elgine. To have and enjoy all powers, 
authorities, and privileges, which by law do now, 
or may hereafter appertain to the said office or trust 
of Deputy-Lieutenant, and generally to execute and 



298 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 

perform all and every the matters and things, which 
on the part of the Deputy-Lieutenants, respectively, 
by law may or ought to be done, acted, executed, 
and performed. And I do hereby recal and declare 
null all deputations of any Deputy- Lieutenants of 
the said county, granted by me preceding the date 
hereof. In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my 
hand and seal, at London, the sixteenth day of 
ffebruary one thousand seven hundred and twenty- 
two years, according to the Scots style, before these 
witnesses, Alexander Gordon of Ardoch, Esq., and 
Alexander Boss, Writer to the Signet, filler up of the 
blanks. Sutherland. 

" iVU. Gordon, witness. 
Alexr. Eoss, witness" 



The man whom the Earl delio-hted to honour in 
1722, had, several years before, suffered most unjustly 
at his Lordship's hands. The " obligement" was a 
right to an estate in Sutherland. Dunbar of Thunder- 
ton died in 1773, but his heirs brought an action of 
reduction. 

" Archibald Dunbar, of Newton, Esq. 

" Elgin, 24 June 1734. 

"Dear Sir, — In answer to yours of the 12th in- 
stant, know that I was not at Liverness when 
Thunderton granted that obligement, whether to the 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 299 

late Eaiie of Sutlieiiaiid, or late Lord Strathnaver, 
I know not ; but it is certain tliat Thunderton was 
incarcerate in the Tolbooth of Elgin, in the year 
1715, by the Earle of Sutherland's order, and kept 
in that prison for severall nights by a strong guard, 
and ill usedt by them, untill Mr. Duncan fforbes, now 
Lord Advocate, the late Sir Hary Liness, and some 
other ffriends, mediate with the Earle of Sutherland 
to liberate him upon a baiU bond to present himself 
to the Earle at Inverness (as I think) sometime in 
the beginning of January 1716. His baill was for 
five thousand pounds sterling, and the said Sir Hary 
and William Duff of Dipple were cautioners. The 
baill-bond was wrote by this Lord Advocate, and I 
know not but that I am a signing witness. 

" Thunderton, in implement of the said bond, did 
present himself at Inverness to the Earle, and was of 
new imprisoned ; and, as the story goes, no release- 
ment to be given untill he should grant that oblig- 
ment, and threatened, if he did not, that he was 
immediatlie to be carried prisoner for London, to 
undergoe a tryall as a traytour. The proper persons 
for proving the commission must be these treaters 
betwixt the Earle and Thunderton, who, I suppose, 
w^ere my Lord Lovat, Sir Eobert Gordon, my Lord 
Advocate, John fforbes of Culloden, and, in particular, 
the witnesses to be adduced for proving the tenor of 
that o1.)lio^ement. 

I 



300 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 

'■ Greorge Innes of Dinkinty, William Dawson of 
Hempriggs, and James Charles, late Bailie of Elgin, 
were then the Earle of Sutherlands prisoners at Inver- 
ness with Thunderton, and, I presume, your friend 
Thomas Eobertson, at Inverness, cannot be ignorant 
of the story. 

" I was threatened by the Earle to be made pri- 
soner also, but, by the mediation of friends, escaped 
that lurch. You may like ways (if there be occasion 
for it) cause summon my Lord Eae and Captain George 
Grrant, who were then with the Earl at Inverness. 
There are several witnesses that could have been of 
use if on life, such as Mr. Baily, minister at Inver- 
ness, Baily Dunbar, etc. I am. Sir, your most 
humble servant, Ja. Wiseman." 



Simon, Lord Lovat, was requested to name a day 
for his examination : — 

'■ To the Honourable 

" Archibald Dunbar, Esqr., 

" at his house at Duffus. 

"Beauffort, UMh of Apr lie 1735. 

" Dear Sir, — I had just now the honour of your 
letter of yesterday's date, and I would, with great 
pleasure, consent to any day you please for my exa- 
mination if I were not oblidged to meet my Lord 
Munto, who has acquainted me that he is to come 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 301 

north by the Kings road to Fortugustus, and from 
that to Inverness, through my country of Stratherrick, 
by the road on the syde of Lochness ; and, as he is 
Diy intimate ffriend, he has acquainted me to ffeed 
himself and his horses in that country, so that, if I 
be able to travel, I resolve to wait upon him at 
Fortugustus, where he must be the 28th. Therefore, 
if you think that my examination can be of use to 
you, I beg you may order it so as to be here, either 
the 24th, 25th, or 26th, in the morning, because after 
that I cannot be master of my own diet till my Lord 
Munto leaves this country. 

" I believe Mr. Bailly, my Shirref-depute, will be 
as good a judge as you can find for that purpose, 
but as you know your own interest better than I can 
do, you may choose for yourself ; and any man that 
you will be pleased to bring with you shall be very 
acceptable to me, for I am, with a very sincere esteem 
and respect, dear Sir, your most affectionat cousin, 
and most obedient, ffaithful, humble servant, 

" LOVAT. 

'' P.S. — I am very sorry for the accident that 
happened to the Dutchess of Gordon and to her 
company. The poor young Lord's breaking his thigh 
is very melancholy, for he may come to be lame all 
his lifetime by it." 



302 SOCIAL LIFE IN FOEMER DAYS. 

Extracts from Lord Lovat's examination, which 
took place at Castleclowney, 26th April 1735, by 
order of the Court of Session :■ — • 

" Interrogator. 

'■' If your Lordship did not hear the Earl, in a great 
passion, swear or say that he would have Thundertoun 
hanged or putt to death, or that he would cause carry 
him prisoner, in irons on board the King's yatcht or 
ships of war (then attending the Earl), to London, in 
order to be tryed for his life, as being guilty of trea- 
son or some such crimes as the Earl alleged ; or if 
your Lordship did not hear the Earl threaten and 
menace him with bodily harm, mine, and destruction, 
unless he would deliver up, and discharge, the oblidg- 
ment passing from or discharging the recognition of 
Skelbo, which the deceasd Lord Strathnaver gave 
Thunderton; or what other matters did your Lord- 
ship hear the Earl threaten or say upon this subject, 
of or concerning Thundertoun ? 

" DeiJones, 

" He believes he might have heard the Earl say 
that he would cause hang or put Thundertoun to 
death, and carry him to London and try him for his 
life, as being a rebel and guilty of treason ; but 
depones that he did not hear the Earl threaten and 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 303 

menace liim with ruiiie and destruction upon account 
of the write mentioned in the interrogators. 

" Interrogator. 

" Whether or not after the said Earl's menaces and 
tln^eatenings against Thundertoun, and the Earl's 
message to him, ordering him to grant the said dis- 
charo'e of the said Lord Strathnaver's oblidgment 

c o 

aforsaid (or an oblidgment to deliver up the same 
to be cancelled), had been told and communicate to 
Thundertoun as the only means to procure his safety 
and liberation, and after your Lordship had used a 
great many arguments with him to that purpose, was 
not Thunderton at last, with great difficulty, pre- 
vailed upon to say that he would subscribe any 
writing the Earl should demand of him for his libera- 
tion, rather than undergo the dangers and hardships 
threatened. to him? 

" De'pones, 

" He believes Bailie James Dunbar might have said 
to him that Thundertoun said he had a great deal of 
difficulty in granting the write demanded of him, but 
that he would subscribe any write rather than be con- 
ffiied to the Castle of Inverness or such a bad prison 
as it was ; and that this negotiation of my Lord 
Lovat's was without the participation of the Earl of 



30-4 SOCIAL LIFE IN FOEMEE DAYS. 

Sutheiiancl or the Lord Strathnaver, to the best of 
his memory. 

" Interrogator. 
" If, immediately after Thimdertoun had sul)scribed 
the said writing or deed, which the Earl desired and 
insisted for, he, the said Thundertoun, was not re- 
leased and sett at liberty, and allowed to retnrn home 
by the Earl's order ? 

" Depones, 
" Immediately after signing the said write Thunder- 
toun was sett at liberty and allowed to go home ; and 
that the deponent did not see Thundertoun under any 
guaird or restraint at signing of the write. AIL of 
which is truth to the best of the deponent's memory, 
as he shall answer to God. 

^'' Sic Scrihr. 

" LOVAT. 

Evan Baillie. 

Donald Mack queen, Clk:' 



J 



XXXVII. MILITARY. 

The city of Perth was in 1651 invested by Oliver 
Cromwell, when, to avoid a general assault, the Go- 
vernor, Lord Dnffus, capitulated. In the following 
year, the English made demands which the Magis- 
trates considered unwarrantable, by the terms of 
capitulation, and therefore his Lordship, the late 
Governor, was applied to for the original deed. 

" ffor our verie honoble Lord, 

" The Lord Duffus— Theis : 

" Pehth, the last of Marche 1652. 

" Most Noble Loed, — The Great and Eternal dis- 
poser of al things, having so by providence ordered it, 
that when this burglie was in great strait and eminent 
inevitable ruine, your Lordship was honored (and to 
the future and happie memorie of your honorable 
familie be it recordit) by the Lord to be instrumental 
in our clelyverance, and of ane as honest as necesser 
surrender of this place to the Inglishes, who ar now 
urging and putting us to such ingagments upon oaths, 

u 



306 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMEE DAYS. 

as in conscieuce or in resson we cannot unclergoe, 
haying sucli condition in the capitulation to be ex- 
eemed of oath ; and being confident of your Lordship's 
dispositione to men straitted in this nature, besyd 
your never-to-be-forgottine cariage in honor and ho- 
nestie, actit and concludit here for us, we haif sent 
this bearer, William Grant, merchand of this burghe, 
expresse to your Lordship, humblie to desyr your 
Lordship wold yit add this favour to former, as to 
send us that Principal Capitulatione, subscryved be 
Lord Oliver Cromwel, that our hard-to -puttings, and 
sad condition wherunder we ar now lying, may be 
the more constantlie and conditionallie resisted ; and, 
whenever your Lordship sal haif use to mak of the 
sam again, we doe ingadge upon our honor and credite 
to restore the samen, upon demand, to your Lordship. 
The tyme limited, be the Inglishe Commissioners, to 
this burghe for our positive anser to thair so hard 
proposals is so short, that we, with pardon, creave 
humblie your Lordship's tymous dispatche of the 
bearer, that naked men, wanting al means of schelter 
(as now our condition is), may have that support (all 
giorie to God and praise to the instruments) whiche 
we ar assured may be produced to us be that capitu- 
lation. And, by your Lordship's condescendence to 
this, as God sal be honored, your supplicants preserved 
from perjurie and guilt, so your Lordship sal ever 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 307 

obleidge, my Lord, your Lordship's most humble ser- 
vants, the Magistrates of the toune of Perth. 

"An. Grant, Provost. 

JoHNE Conqueror, Baillie. 

Na. Batesson, Baillie. 

Henry Grey. 

Pa. Eoss." 



Prices of provisions in Inverness when held by 
Oliver Cromwell's troops :— 

" By CoUonell Thomas Fitch, Governor of Invernes, 
with the aprobation of the Gentlemen of the 
Countrey and the Provost and Baylifes of this 
Brough, September the 15, anno 1654 : 

" A^Hiereas their hath bene diverse complaints made 
to me by the souldery of the garrisson and the townes 
people, of the increase of the prices ,of all sortes of 
provissions, conceivinge themselves verie much in- 
jured by the sellers therof ; and the countrey people, 
on the other side, oftentimes complaines they have 
not a price answerable to the worth of their pro- 
vissions that they bring to the market. 

" For the prevention, therfore, of iforther differences 
in the like kind, the several prices of all sortes of pro- 
visions are agreed upon by the countrey gentlemen 
and baylifes of the brough, that soe the buyer and 



308 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 



seller may for the future avoid all differences 
nature, by observinge tlie prices of all sorts 
visions as underwriten, viz. : — 



A good slaughtering cow, betwixt the first of 
August and the last of October, upon foote, 
is w^orth . . . . . . . 

The karkase of such a cow may be sold for 

Muton upon foote, of the best sort, betwixt the 
last of May and the last of October, is worth 

The karkase of such muton, dureinge that time, 

The pound of such muton, dureing that time, . 

A beefe of the best sort, loaden upon foot, be- 
twixt Janury and May, .... 

The karkase of such a beefe, during that time, . 

A pound of such beefe, during the said time, . 

A veale of about 1 month or 6 weeks old, the 
karkase, ....... 

The countrey veales that comes to market, the 
best, .... 

Henns, a peece, good, 

Caponns, a piece, good, 

Countrey market kids, beinge good, 

Lambes of the best sort, . 

Eggs, per dozen, 

Geese, a peece, 

Cockes, a peece, 

Porke, per pound, 

Bakon, per pound, . 

Eead dried hearons, three for . 

Milke, the Scotch pint, . 

Beare, a Scotch pint, good. 

Ale, if good, a Scotch pint, 

Killinge fish, of the greatest, a peece. 



?s 


of 


that 


ts 


of 


pro- 


£ 


s. 


d. 


01 


06 


08 


00 


18 


00 


00 


04 


06 


00 


03 


04 


00 


00 


Oil 


02 


10 


00 


01 


16 


00 


00 


00 


02 



00 03 00 



00 01 04 



00 


00 


05 


00 


00 


06f 


00 


01 


06 


00 


01 


06 


00 


00 


02 


00 


01 


02 


00 


00 


05 


00 


00 


02 


00 


00 


04 


00 


00 


01 


00 


00 


02 


00 


00 


oif 


00 


00 


Olf 


00 


00 


06 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FOUMEK DAYS. 309 

The lesser sort of fish, 00 00 04 

Haddock, ane dozen of the oreatest sort, . . 00 00 05 

Salmond of the greatest sort, a peece, . . 00 01 08 

The lesser sort of salmoud, . . . . 00 01 00 

The girsle, a peece, 000006 

The salmond, per poimcl, . . . . 00 00 01 

Wliite bread, a loafe weighing -^q of a ponud, \ 

the bowle costing ^Yithin twenty shillings VOO 00 01 
sterling, . . . . . . .) 

The loafe weighing 18 ounces, white bread, . 00 00 02 

The loafe weighinge 3^% lb., ditto bread, . 00 00 OG 

The loafe weighinge 6if lb,, ditto bread, . . 00 01 00 

The loafe weighing 13|- ounces, brown bread, . 00 00 01 

The loafe of ditto bread, S^V 11^-, • • • 00 00 06 
The loafe of ditto bread, lOtV lb., . . .000100 
The loafe of oaten bread, weighing 1 9 ounces, -\ 

when it costs within ten niarkes Scotch VoO 00 01 

the bowle, J 

Salt hearons, barrel d, four for . . . . 00 00 01 

" It is hearby forther ordered and required that noe 
person or persons whatsoever, in or belonginge to this 
garrisson, presumes to buy or sele any of the before- 
said provissions before it come into the market place, 
under penaltie of coniiscatinge ' the provissions soe 
bought or sold ; and that noe person or persons doe 
presume, after tenn dayes from the date hearof, to 
violate this proclimation in referrence to the prices of 
all sortes of provissions, under penaltie of incuringe 
forther and greater dammage upon themselves. Given 
under my hand, at Invernesse, the 15 day of Septem- 
ber 1654. Thos. Fitch." 



310 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 

An episode in the Monmouth Eebellion, 1685. 

" Order to the Master of Tarbot, Beaufort, and 
Gordons toun : — 

'•' His Excellence the Duke of Gordon, his Majesties 
Lieutenant in the North, having sent his orders to me, 
John, Lord Strathnaver (who am by him entrusted to 
bring up the northern forces toward Argyleshire), for 
commanding away, in haste, six hundred men out of 
the wdiole army, by way of detachment ; and upon 
the deliberate advice of the whole oflScers conveened 
in a Councel of War (it being found impossible to 
perswade or command a Highland people not yet 
regulated, to do any service except under the com- 
mand of their own cheif tains), it hath been concluded 
absolutly more conducible to the promoting of his 
Majesties service, and answerable to his Excellencie 
the Duke of Gordon's design, to send away rather 
particular bodies of men then a detached partie — 
Therefor, I hereby command the Master of Tarbot, 
with the men under his command, and Thomas Fraser 
of Beaufort, with such as are under his command, and 
Sir Eobert Gordon of Gordonstoun, with the Frasers 
of Stratherrick, the Grants of Urquhart and Glen- 
moristoun, and the Duke of Gordon's men of the 
Castlelands of Invernesse, under the command of the 
said Sir Eobert Gordon, to march with all expedition 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMEE DAYS. 311 

forward, till they joyn his Excellence the Duke of 
Gordon. 

"Given at Drumnochter, the sixtenth of June javic 
eightie-five. Strathnaver." 



" Intelligence. 

" There most be ane Ajutant, whose duty is to 
receave order from the Cheif-Comander, as to order 
the ranking of the severall bodies of men in their 
marching, and the drawing up of them at the halt, 
and at ther quarters in the camp each night. This 
x4jutant, for his help, most have ane Quarter-master 
Generall, who goes before, each morning, after having 
receaved orders from the Generall where to take up 
the ground, which most have wood, grasse, and wat- 
ter ; and the ground most be spacious, suitable to the 
bodies to be encamped. 

" There most be lykwise a Generall of Artillery, to 
look after the marching of the bagage and amunition. 
The bagage of the severall bodies most march in the 
same ranks that ther severall bodies marches. There 
most be a small guard at the head of each severall 
bagage, hj and outtour the van guard, and the guard, 
and the guard of the amonition. 

" There most be also good care taken for good 
guids for the bagage for the Agitant, and for tlie van 
of the armies. 



312 SOCIAL LIFE IX FOEMER DAYS. 

" There most be likwise good care taken of there 

nightly guards, that they be neither too strong, for 

fear of too mouch fatigue, nor too little, for fear of 

surprise. 

" Genevan RuUes to be observed in the Camp and 

Marching. 

" Imprimus, That no shouldier be seen out of his 
rank, nor officer of his division, if not detached to a 
particular command. 

2c/o,.That no man, under paine of death, fire with- 
out comand, nor be seen out of the camp after the 
tap-too. 

" That no man, under the said paine, disobey ther 
severall officers, or rebell against them ; that no man, 
under the paine of death, draw a SAVord, or quarrel in 
the camp or march, but repaire to ther severall officers 
to complaine of any inj ury. 

" There most be a particular signe given be the 
Generall when near the enimi, to be made knowen to 
the Generall Major, who most comunicat the same to 
the severall Majors, and they to the comissionat offi- 
cers, and the sergants to the officers of the guard, who 
most comunicat it to the centries when posted. 

" There most be also a word every night given be 
the Cheif Comander to the Generall Major, and he to 
the severall Majors, who most mak it knowen to the 
severall sergeants, to be maid knowen be them to ther 
several officers. 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMEE DAYS. 313 

" There most be good van and rerr guards of horse 
drao'ounes. The draofounes most be formed out of the 
heritors. 

" That no man carry a staff but a comander, wherby 
the officers may be knowen ; that all officers may re- 
gulat any disorder, to be present when it falls out. 

" The severall shouldiers of each company to be 
sworn to their coUours." 



Extract from a letter dated London, March 2d, 
1686 :— 

" The King has lately issued out a proclamation of 
generall pardon to all in the rebellion in the west 
with the late Duke Monmouth,^ excepting a world of 
men and women, persons of quality, among others my 
good friend Esquire Charlton (I once told you of), the 
Earle of Maxwel, &c., so that the pardon reaches only 
to the meaner sort, such as labourers, workmen, &c. ; 
and they are not to have it either, unless within three 
months after the date of it, they come in and sue out 
their pardons. His Majestic also has written a letter 
to the two Archbishops — Metropolitans of England, 
Canterbury and York, to which are annexed some 
orders to be put in practise by the clergy, and a good 
order of observing strictly the Lord's day. Amongst 

1 He was executed in July 1GS5. 



314 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMEE DAYS. 



other things, his Majestie enjoy ns a forbearance to 
preach subHme and abstruse controversies upon all 
inferiour contraversies, unless upon speciale ocasion ; 
and that benefices, or livings, or (as with you) churches, 
be not granted to any hereafter, but during the plea- 
sure of the Bishop. iVgain, he seems to enjoyn but 
preaching once a -day, but in that he is not positive. 
You have heard of the Earle of Morray to go down 
your Comissioner ; but we hear your Parliament is 
prorogued till May." 



The gallant stand made by Alexander, first Duke 
of Gordon, as Governor of Edinburgh Castle, in the 
spring of 1689, is matter of history. The fees of 
commission paid by his Grace may therefore be in- 
teresting. 



" Accompt of Dake Gordon's 
tain to the Castle : — 



Commission as Cap- 



Imprimis, given at tlie Chancelarie, . 

Item, for registration and drink-money, 

Item, for ribbons, six elns, 

Item, to the pnrss, ..... 

Item, to the presenter of signatur's servant, 

Item, to the usher and door-keiper in Exchequei 



at revising, 



Item, for the declaration, . 
Item, at the register of signaturs, 



66 13 04 

05 16 00 

04 04 00 
26 13 04 
02 18 00 

05 16 00 
05 16 00 
05 16 00 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 315 

Item, for wax and drink-money at the Great 

Seall, 11 12 00 



135 04 08 
Item, for the secretarie's dues for his commis- 
sion, seven pounds sterling, iiide, . . 084 00 00 
Item, for the secretarie's dues for his commis- 
sion to be captain of the company, seven 
pounds sterling, inde, . . . .0840000 
Item, to the clerks of the counsell and their 
servants at the production of the commis- 
sion to be read, and recording the same, . 029 00 00 



332 04 08 



" Edinburgh, 15 March 1686. — Keceaved by me, 
Mr. Johi] Nisbet, servitor to Mr. Thomas Gordon, 
Writer to the Signet, in name of the said Mr. Thomas, 
from Sir John Gordon,^ Advocat, in name of his Grace 
the Duke of Gordon, the abovewritten soume of thrie 
hundreth threttie-two pounds, four shilHng, eight 
pennies, Scots ; which is in sterling money twentie- 
seven pound, thrittein shillings, eight pence, and three 
farthings, and which spume I presentlie delyvered to 
the said Mr. Thomas Gordon. Jo : Nisbet." 



Alexander Dunbar of Barmuckatie, having got into 
pecuniary difficulties at home, took service as a vo- 
lunteer in the army serving in the Low Countries 

1 Sir Jolm was a younger son of Sir Liidovic Gordon of Gordonston, 
and a brother of the apprentice whose indentures ai-e given at page 18S. 



316 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMEE DAYS. 

under the great Duke of Marlborough, and was en- 
rolled as " Alexander Dunbar, gentleman, in Major 
John Brodie's company, in the Eight Hon. the Mar- 
quis of Tullibardine's Regiment of jffoot." We give 
extracts from his letters to his cousin, and also a letter 
from Captain Brodie to the same gentleman, showing 
the miserable pay of an officer : — 

''Jfrom the Citeadatle a/ Liege, 18th Deceh\, 
New Styll, 1705. 

" I expect, w^hen you see our cousen, Captain John 
Dunbar, in my Lord Mordaine's regement, ye will give 
him alse much monie as will make upp ffour hundred 
merks, either in pistoUs or Duradounes, ffor Dura- 
dounes or cross dollars are the best passeing monie in 
this countrey, that pass in Scotland. Ye may send 
me ane night goune by Captain Dunbar — I mean ane 
Highland plaid — and let it be about twenty-four 
shillings pryce, or therabouts, for that is ane thing 
I cannot want either summer or winter." 



" Werwick Camp, Sth August, New Styll, 1708. 

" I have the honnor to be posted Ensigne^ on Cap- 
tain Young's company of the Marquise of Tullibar- 
dine's Eeo'ement." 



1 It was in consequence of this promotion that Captain Brodie wrote 
the letter given at page 319. 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 317 

" LiLE, the ISth Deer., Neio Styll, 1708. 

" Ye may be ashured I will see you this nixt year, 
iff I be spaired, in order to make recruits, so aquant 
me to whom I will wroit, in order they may be assiste- 
ing to me. In caice ther be any roges^ a goeing either 
at Elgin, Invernes, Forres, or Narin, pray you aquant 
me particularly, and I shall wroit to you, so you 
require them for my use, and let them alwayes be 
keeped to about the first of January nixt. Give my 
humble duty to your lady, and in caice ye or she 
wants anything from Holland, let me be aquanted 
therof, and I shall doe my indeavour to bring it over, 
iff my trunk can hold it. Give my duty to Asleisk, 
now the Laird of Brodie ; to the Laird of Innes, and 
to Coxtoune, and Dunkentie ; to Grainge, Milnetoune, 
Bishopmilne, and to all other freinds that ask for me ; 
and so all freinds heire are in health, and give their 
service to you all." 



"Gant, I8th Nover. 1710. 

" I am ordered for recreuiteinof, and am this lenth 



^&' 



on my journey, wherfor I expect ye will let me know 
iff ther be any dilligences against me, for to the tynie 
I hear from you I desyne to stay att the Abbay." ^ 



1 Able-bodied vagrants, etc. 

2 Probably Holyrood, where debtors wore safe from arrest. 



318 SOCIAL LIFE IN FOPtMER DAYS. 



I| 



'' Eeceive Factory, subsciyved hy me att Keims, in 
Champaine of fFrance, the twenty-seventh of October 
seventeen hundred and twelve years, befor these wit- 
nesses, Ensigne WilHam Brodie of Sir James Wood's 
Eegement, and James Brodie, lawfull sone to John 
Brodie of Windiehills, and gentileman carryeing 
airmes in the said regement." 



''Aft Chalox Sur Saune tx Burgone, 
Xovr. I9th, K. Styll, 1712. 

" I am prisoner. Our coosen, Collonell Brodie, is 
gone to Brussells, for his health ; and Captain Brodie 
is att Dijon, within twelve hom^s of this place ; and 
his nephew, Earnsyde's sone John, dyed at Eeims. 
Direct for me, A. Monsiem^ — Monsieur Dunbar, 
Lieutenant du Eegement Chevalier Wood, Ecosses, 
— Prisonier du guerre — A. Chalon Sur Saune." 



" Bri'ssells, Uh May, N. S., 1717. 

" I am now putt to that extremity, that I am ob- 
leidged to sell my cloaths, and everything else I hade, 
to mantaine myself from starveing. I now, for the 
last tyme, let you know that our regement is broken, 
and that the States will give us no pensions, and wee 
are obleidged to goe for London to solicite for halfe 
pay. Pray be so kynd as to aquant Ensigne Dunbar, 
Boath's brother, of this newes." 



M 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 3 1 9 

" To Mr. Archibald Dunbar of Thundertoun, 
" att Edinburgh, Britain. 

"Camp att Werwick, the 8th August 1708. 

" Sir, — Your cussin, Barmukety/ is att last made 
ane officer ; and a man that comes from carrying arm.es 
to be ane officer, is one of the poorest creatures in the 
world, if he have not some other ressource than the 
pitiful! pay of eight guilders a week, which our masters 
generousely bestow upon ane Ensigne. You remem- 
ber, when you and I were last together, you desyred 
we should endeavour to purchase him a commission 
att your expenss. Now that providence hath thrown 
a small bitt of bread in his way, it were a reflection on 
us who have interested ourselves for him, if he were 
not drawn out of the difficultyes he lyes under ; in 
order wherto I have advanced him money to equippe 
him, and he hath given. me a bill on you for twenty 
pounds sterling, which I have indorssed to Mr. John 
Lillie att the Hague. I doubt not yoar punctuall 
payment, and if you find me capable to render you 
service in any maner, you may very freely command, 
Sir, your most humble servant, Al. Brodie." 

^ His daugMers are mentioned at page 16, and tlie death of his wife 
forms the subject of the letter given at page 280. He had begun life 
with bright prospects, having inherited the estate of Barmuketie from 
his maternal grand-nncle, tinder whose auspices, as Provost of Inverness, 
the bridge over the jSFess was, in 1681, commenced, and by whom the 
stately old building, stiil known in the capital of the Highlands as 
" Dunbar's Hospital," had been, in 1668, founded and endowed. 



320 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 

Letter from the Adjutant of a regiment quartered 
in Majorca. 

'• Arctid. Dunbar, Esqr. of Duffus, near Elgine, 
•' by Edenburgh, North Bretaiu. 

" PoETMAHON, August Gtli, 17-42. 

" Dear Sir, — This is the first time I have hade aii 
opertunety of writting to you since my last, which I 
think was dated from Spithead, June 1st, which Avas 
the time we salt saile for this place, where we arived 
June 30th, having made the voayage in thirty days, 
which is something not common at this time of the 
year, when calmes are very frequent on the Spanish 
coast. I was in great hopes that we should have 
called at Gibralter, which would have been something 
to my advantage, as I had a little bussiness there ; 
but, to my great disapointment, the man-of-war who 
was our convoy, lay too untill such time as shee seed 
the regiment who are to relive the other regiment 
there, safe into the bay, and so proceeded imediatly 
on our voayage without coming to ancker. 

" Although I have been about a month in this 
place, yet I can give you but very small account 
of it, as my time has hitherto been taken up with 
the affairs of the regiment. There are five different 
places in this island, where the King's troops are 
quartred, viz., St. Phillips, Mahon, Citydilla, Allyhore, 
and ffornellas Castel ; but in case of any invasion, St. 
Phillips is the only place of refuge to which all the 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 321 

regiments must retire, as being the only fortifi(3ation 
upon this island, the others being small places without 
being capable of making much clefFence. 

" The island seems to be provided naturely with 
every necessary of life, and prety plenty ; but as a 
squaderon of ships of war has been in these seas for 
some years past, it occasions every thing to be 
dear. 

" We have no particular newes here, further than 
what, I presume, you may have heard by this time by 
the news papers, viz.. Admiral Mathews having burned 
five Spanish gallies in a French port, and afterwards 
had the modesty to demand the ruins of the five 
ships from the French governour. We have at this 
time five hundred men detatched from the several 
regiments upon this island, under the command of 
Admiral Mathews, which are now encamped and 
mainteaning a narrow pas near Villa Francia, in the 
teretorys of his Sardinian Majesty. 

" We have had several Neapolitan prizes brought 
in to this place, within this few days, so that we now 
seem to be in earnest. 

" The English fleet are now crouzing off the bay of 
Taloon, where the French and Spanish fleets lay. 

" I have had the honour to dine several times with 
General Anstruther (since I have been here), who is 
Lieut.-Governour of the island, and who seems to be 
prety complacent to us strangers. I am sorry I was 

X 



322 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 

not wise enough before I left England, to aply to 
you for a recomendation to him, since probably you 
might have had it in your pouer to have procured 
me one. 

" This letter comes to England by the transport 
ship that brought me here ; but there is a paquet that 
goes from this to Marsells, and through France to 
England some times, and allthough it is not above 
seventy leagues from this to Marsells, yet as they 
oblige the packet to ride quarantan, it is some times 
^ve moneths before we can have a site of a letter in 
that manner, so that unless in cases of necessity it is 
not worth while to write by the packet ; however, in 
case there should be any necessity to ^rate in that 
manner, I will acquant you per next, in what manner 
you are to answer per paquet. 

" When you have an inclination to write to me, you 
will direct to William Dunbar, Adjutant to Colonel 
Graham's Eegiment, to the care of William Adair, 
Esqr., at his house in Pall Mall, London. Mr. Adair 
is our Adjent. 

" I had ane opertunuty of puting my wife ashore 
at Gibralter, without goeing myselfe ; so that she is 
now there. — I continew, dear brother, yours most 
aflfectionatly. Will. Dunbar/' 



XXXVIIL REBELLION, 1715-16. 

The exactions laid on the town of Elgin by the 
Earl of Sutherland and Lord Lovat, both then in the 
Hanoverian interest, and the pillage made by their 
Lordships' retainers and by the Rebels, amounted 
to three thousand eight hundred and sixteen poimds, 
tliirteen shillings, and eight pence, Scots money. In 
the list of their losses, a document too long for in- 
sertion here, it appears that the town's-people were 
deprived of " sixty-three guns, fourty-five muskets, 
thirty-two small swords, twenty-one broad swords, 
four Dane's axes, three carbines, two halberds," and 
a great number of pistols. 

The county gentlemen, also, even those in the Hano- 
verian interest, had to give up their horses and arms 
for the use of Government. 

" For the Honourable 

" The Laird of Gtrange. 

" Graingehill, Fehry. 5th, 1716. 

" Dear Sir, — I receved your horse, sadle, bridle, 
hulsters, pistolls, and broad sword. I truly know 
not the value of those thino^s, but T have sent you a 



324 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 

recept which you may fill up at your own pleasure, as 
you think them worth. I would gladly imbrace any 
oppertounitty of doing a greater faivor to the young 
ladies of your familie, than not to allow them the use 
of your own horse, and, if the truce is prolonged, he 
shall be sent. I have two niegbours that are very 
well provided in horses, but does not incline to give 
them for the service of the Goverment ; but, I am 
sure, if any of the ladys with you made but the lest 
application to ether of them, they could not refuse 
them a horse. I have taken a womitte this day, and 
I am not wery well, other way es I had not made use 
of ane other's hand. I am, most sincerely, Sir, your 
most obliged servant, EoB. Dunbar. 

" I have filled up the recept in the same terms other 
gentlemen have gote ; if it does not please you, it 
shall be altered. 

" Pray cause Windiehills^ have his horse early here 
to-morrow, for I have had no account of the cessa- 
tion's being prolongued." 



" I, Robert Dunbar of Graingehill, Commander of 
the Murray horse, be vertue of the authority and 
commission given to me by the Right Honourable 
John, Earl of Sutherland, Lord-Lieutenant of the six 

1 John Brodie of Wiudyliills, now Milton-Brodie. 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FOKMER DAYS. 325 

nortlier]! eouiities, grants me to liave receved from 
Lodvick Dunbar of Grainge, a liorse, sadle, bridle, 
liulster cases, a pair of pistols, and a broad sword, 
for the use of the Goverment ; which he declairs, 
upon his word of honour, are all together worth the 
sume of fiveteen pounds sterling, whicli is to be re- 
payed to him by the Goverment, in the terms of the 
Act of Parliament. Subscribed by me, at Grainge- 
hill, the sixth day of February 1716. 

" KoB. Dunbar." 



" Wee, John Grant, merchant in Elgin, James and 
John Burgesses, and Alexander Forbes, gunsmiths 
there, and John Anderson, armourer there, five per- 
sones appointed by the Deputy Lieutenants of the 
shire of Murray, to receive and value the armes 
within the said shire, pursuant of the late Act of 
Parliament, made anent secureing the peace of the 
Highlands of Scotland, doe hereby acknowledge and 
declair that we received from Ludovick Dunbar of 
Grange (who is ane faithfuU subject to his Majesty 
King George, his person, and government, and did 
continue the same the time of the late rebellion), the 
armes after specified, and did value the same upon 
oath to the sums following ; viz., from the said 
Ludovic Dunbar, twelve guns, estimat att t^\'el^'e 
punds Scots each ; in all, one hundred and fuurtx' - 
four punds Scots. Item, received from ditto, three 



326 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 

guns more, estimat at fourty-two punds. Item, re- 
ceived from ditto, three guns, estimat at twenty-three 
punds Scots money. Item, received from ditto, three 
guns more, estimat at twenty-three punds Scots 
money. Item, received from ditto, four guns more, 
estimat at twenty punds Scots money. Item, re- 
ceived from ditto, one pistole, estimat at six punds 
Scots money ; amounting in haill, the armes of this 
recept, to the number of twenty-five guns, and one 
pistole ; and the values thereof, to two hundred and 
fifty-eight punds Scots money ; which armes we 
lodged in the Tolbooth of Elgin for his Majesty's use. 
'' The above valuation is just and true, as we shall 
answer to God ; as witness our hands, at Elgin, the 
last day of October Jayviic and sixteen (1716) years. 

" Alexander Forbes. 

John Anderson. 

Jo. Grant. 

James Burges. 

John Burges.'' 



" Wee, Alexander Dunbar of Bishipmln, Sherift' of 
Murray, and David Dunbar of Dunphail, Deputy 
Lieutenants of th^ shire of Elgin, be virtue of the 
powers given us by the late Act of Parliament anent 
secureing the peace of the Highlands of Scotland, doe 
hereby require and command you, James Wiseman, 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 327 

collector of tlie land tax for the shire of Elgin, upon 
sight hereof, to pay out of the first and readiest of 
the land tax, that now is or hereafter shall be in your 
hand, to the above designed Ludovick Dunbar (whom 
wee certifie to be a true and loyall subject to his 
Majesty King George, his person, and government, 
and continued loyall to his Majesty dureing the late 
rebeUion), the values of his armes, amounting to the 
sum of two hundred and fifty-eight punds, Scots 
money. Given under our hands, at Elgin, the last 
day of October one thousand seven hundred and 
sixteen years. Alexr. Dunbar. 

David Dunbar." 



Lord Lo vat's letter was written in February 1716. 
Notwithstanding the King's thanks and rewards, his 
Lordship afterwards, in 1745-6, espoused the cause of 
Prince Charles Edward, for which he was executed on 
Tower-Hill :— 

" The much honoured 

" The Laied of Thundertoun, 

''At Brodie, on heast, the 12th. 

" My dear Thundertoun, — I thought to have had 
the pleasure of seeing you here, and at DufFus to pay 
my duty to your worthy lad}^, whom I heartily salut, 
1 heer you and Mr. Wiseman have got a great many 
horses of the Eebells, for almost nothino-. I intreat 



328 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 

you give me that mark of your fFriendship as to ob- 
iidge Mr. Wiseman to give me six of those horses at 
fifty per cent, profit, which I ofer and will pay to your 
cusing James Dunbar, or any other at Inverness. I 
got the kindnest letter imaginable from Argyl. The 
King both thanks me and rewards my services. 
" I am, with love and respect, your own 

" LOVAT." 



Keceipt by Major Fraser of Culduthel, on the back 
of the above letter :— 

" Gatesyde, in ffehry. 1716. — Eeceaved fiive horses, 
which I am to deliver to my Lord Lovat. 

" Eeceaved by me James ffraser." 



General order : — 

" Joseph Wightman, Esqr., Major-General command- 
ing His Majiesties Forces in the North of Scot- 
land etc. : 

" Whereas I have been informed that several of the 
Rebells' horses and armes are hidden in the town and 
countrey of Elgen, and that several arms and ■ horses 
have been bought up contrary to law, this is to require 
you to make such search for any such persons, horses, 
and armes as are hidden, and give me constant ac- 



SOCIAL LIFE IX FOEMEE DAYS 329 

couiits of the same, at Inverness or elsewhere, in order 
to be disposed on for His Majesties service. — Given 
under my hand, att Elgen, the twenty-first day of 
Februay 1716. J. Wightman. 

" To the Honorable Lord Provost of Elgen, 
his Bailiffs or under Magistrals, " 



WilHam Dawson, afterwards Provost of Forres, had 
a narrow escape for his Kfe : — 

" To the much honoured the Laird of Thundertoun, 
" Provost of Elgine. 

" Forres, Febr. nth, 1716. 

" Much honoured Sie, — You will be surprised to 
here of my treatment at Inverness, all occasioned by 
your freind James Dunbar, whoe I most say is the 
most revengable man on the face of the earth. I gave 
baill for two thousand pounds sterling, yet this morne- 
ing ther cam thirty or forty of Fowls men whoe is 
cearyeinge me prisoner to Inverness this moment, upon 
a signed information James Dunbar heas procured from 
Shiper Hume, beareinge that I imported airms in his 
shipe, for the use of the Eaibls ; yet I declair, upon all 
that is good, I never imported or exported any kind 
of goods in his shipe, nor did I ever import any airms, 
or any other, but what Avas for the use of Brodie and 
Culloden. 

" Mr. Dunbar heas mead me odiouse to the Earle of 



330 SOCIAL LIFE IX FOEMER DAYS. 

Sutherland, and to my Lord Lovat, by meakinge tliem 
belive a thousand leise ; in short, he represents me to 
be the worst man in the world. I am sadlie affraid of 
the conciconce of this, soe doe intreat you will writ 
a leter to my Lord Lovat or any other freind, and doe 
me justice. I would likways heav you writ to Mr. 
Dunbar, and send your leters with the bearer, my 
servant, whoe comes directely after me to Inverness. I 
would heav you notice that my baill is given upe, and 
I am impeatched for Hy treason. God is witness if I 
be guilty. I am hurried of with a partie, soe shall say 
noe mor, only my humble duty to yourself and lady, 
and belive me that I ever am, Sir, your most obe- 
dient and humbel servant, AVill. Dawson." 



Forage was charged at the rate of eight shillings 
per boll of " single oats,'' and three halfpence per stone 
of straw. Each horse was allowed daily half a peck 
of oats and a stone of straw. 

''March 2 2d, 1716. — Accompt of straw and oates 
delyvered out by William Douglass, keeper of the 
Magazine at Elgin, to the regimentile officers and 
troups of Generall Carpinter s Dragouns, conform to 
their particular receipts and otherwise, preceiding the 
twentie second inclusive. 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 331 

" Imprimis, to the Generall's troup, per receitt from 
John Parquett, sergant : — 



The number of .... 

Item, to CoUonell Guest's troup, 

With ane x^eck of malt. 
Item, to the said CoUonell, for the ) 

use of his own horses, . . i 

With ane boll of malt. 
Item, to Collonell ffolley's troop. 
Item, to Collonell ffolley's own horses. 
Item, to him, ane fiirlott malt. 
Item, to Captain Broun's troup, 
Item, to the said Captain, one peck 

malt. _--___^ 

Item, to Captain MuUen's troop, . 267J 09 3 2 
Item, to the said Captain, ffy ve pecks 

one lipie of malt. 
Item, to Captain Eeid's troop, . 
Item, to Livetenant Dupoyes's horse, 
Item, to Quartermaster Kelly's horse. 
Item, to Coronett Henly, 



of Straw. 




Dates 






B. 


F. 


p. 


259 


08 





1 


235 


07 


1 


li 


1321 


08 





2 


220 


07 


3 


1 


124 


04 


2 





2341 


07 


1 


1 



247 


07 


2 


2i 


016 


00 


2 





002 


00 





H 


002 


00 





2 


1739J 


61 


2 


oj 



A " groan" from the Presbytery of Elgin : — 

"^«Elgen, September 11, 1716. 

" The which day, the Presbytery^ of Elgen, taking 
to their serious consideratione the many" illegal and 
oppressive incroachments made upon their ministry 



332 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 

by Episcopal preachers, and that upon day of 

May they had appointed tuo of their number to 

represent to the Lifetenant-deputs of the shire of 
Murray, some of those grievances the Presbytery lay 
under, and that nothing could be then got done, the 
Presbytery did unanimously agree and appoint that 
an Informatione be given in to the Lifetenant-deputs, 
that are to meet at Elgen on the accompt of the Toun 
Elections ; and likewais that a copie of the said In- 
formatione be given to the Advocate-depute, as fol- 
io wes : — 

" May it please,— It is with a depth of sorrow we 
behold that after such a signal delyverance as God 
wrought for us of late, when we expected law should 
take place and we should be rescued from oppres- 
sione, their ar so many open violations of law, to the 
prejudice of the interest of the gospel, and the cherish- 
ing of disaifectione to his ]\Iajesties just and lawfuU 
athority in our parishes, without restraint ; and con- 
ceave we cannot discharge the duty incumbent upon 
us without acquainteng you with some of these things, 
which ar in your pouer to redress. 

" Primo, Mr. John Stewart, who preaches in a meet- 
ing-house in the parish of Dufius, did never befor the 
late Eebellione, pray for his Majestic King George and 
the royal family, in terms of law, but in October last, 
did pray in publick for the Pretender (under the name 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 333 

and designatione of our gracious Soveraign King James) 
and severall of the heads of the Kebells, such as the 
Duke of MaiT, Lifetenant-General Gordon, Brigadeer 
M'Intosh, etc., and continued this his practise untill 
the Eebells wer driven from Perth ; as can be wit- 
nessed by all who were his ordinary hearers, such as 
Mr. Archibald Dunbar of Thoundei'toune, Justice of 
Peace and Provost of Elgen ; Thomas Sutherland, fewer 
in Kame ; William Sutherland of Roshach ; Alexander 
Petry, fewer in Starwood ; Alexander Andersone, tenant 
in Burnsyde ; Andrew Naughty, tenant ther ; John 
Pin, tenant in Inskeel ; James Rin, tenant in Kame ; 
William Rin, tenant in Rosyle ; etc. 

" Secundo, Mr. Beroald Innes, who lives in Instelly, 
in the parish of Alves, for ordinary keeps public wor- 
ship without praying for King George, Prince or 
Princess of Wales, in terms of law ; frequently marries 
and baptises, which shall be made evident by compe- 
tent witnesses, when required. 

" TeHio, Mr. Alexander Smith, in the parish of 
Belly, kept a meeting-house in the toune of Focabus, 
and officiat as chaplain to the Marqueness of Huntly, 
every Sabboth, but did not pray for King George, 
Prince or Princess of Wales, in terms appointed by 
law ; and did frequently marrie and baptise in that 
and other neighbouring parishes ; and, about the be- 
ginning of the late unnaturall Rebellione, did intrude 
openly into the kirk of Gartely, which was settled by 



334 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 

a minister of the present Establishment, and con- 
tinowed so to do, animating and encurageing the 
people to rebellione ; and, when they took arms, went 
with them and preached to them in the church of 
Cupar of Angus, where he prayed in express terms 
for the Pretender, under the name of King James, and 
continowed with them till after the Eebells were de- 
feate at Dumblane ; and since his return, is employed 
as chaplain to the Marchoness of Huntley, but prays 
not for King George, vt supra; all which can be 
proven by famous witnesses, when required. 

" Quarto, Alexander Eobertsone, who kept a meet- 
ing-house, dureing the time of the late Eebellione, in 
the toune of Focabus, did intrude into the church of 
Eaphane, and, both tlier and at Focabus, prayed in 
express terms for the Pretender, under the name of 
King James ; and continowes yet to keep meeting- 
house at Focabus. 

" Quinto, Mr. James Gordon, brother to Classtirum, 

Mr. Patrick Frazer, Mr. Eeid, Mr. Duglas, 

Mr. John Irvine, priests, doe keep publick meetings 
for worship in the toun of Focabus, in the said Mr. 
Irvin's house, which can be proven by competent wit- 
nesses, when required. 

" These ar some of the grievances we groan under, 
and w^e lay them before you, as persones not only 
clothed with authority to give us redress, but whom 
we suppose to have a due regard for the supjDort of a 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 335 

gospel interest, the maintinance of his Magesties law 
and authority, and a simpathy with us ; and in treat 
your effectuall interpositione for our relief." 



The Presbytery mind their own affairs : — 

" To Mr. Archbald Dunbar of Thundertoun. 

"Elgin, 24i7i December 1717. 

"Much Honoured, — Mr. Alexander Anderson, 
minister of Duffus, wrotte a letter to this Presbitry, 
bearing that about the beginning of the late Pebellion 
he gave you, by the hands of Mr. James Towner, the 
silver bason and two silver cups belonging to the 
parish of Duffus, and that for more safe custody ; and 
though he hade at severall times since, written to you 
and required those pieces of plate back again, you 
hade not honoured him with any returns. Withall 
he entreats the Presbitry may concern themselves in 
that matter and entreat you may return that plate to 
him again. The Presbitry thought his desire reason- 
able, and they have appointed me, in their names, to 
entreat you may deliver up these Church utensils, 
that are now in your hand, to Mr. Alexander Ander- 
son. This, in name and by the appointment of the 
Presbitry, is subscryved by. Much Honoured, your 
most oblidged humble servant, 

"Tho: Macculloch, Moderator'' 



XXXIX. EEBELLION, 1745-46. 

So early as 1722, a second rising in favour of the 

Stuarts was expected. 

" Por the Laird of Thuxdertoun, Sherive Principall of Murray, 
and the rest of the Deputy- Lie vtennants of the said County. 

For the King's speciall service. — Elgin. 

" HoLYRiJD House, I5t7i of May 1722. 

" Gentlemex, — The King having nothing more att 
heart than the good and weelfare of his subjects, hav- 
ing receaved repeated and unquestionable advices that 
severall of his subjects, forgetting the allegiance they 
owe to his Majestic, as weel as the love they ought to 
bear to ther country, have entred into a wicked con- 
spiracie in concert with traitors abroad, for raising a 
rebellion in this kingdom in favour of a Popish pre- 
tender, but without the concurrance or aid of any 
fforign power. It is therefor necessary for all his 
Majesties dutifuU and faithfull subjects to take care 
to disapoint the designs of his enimies, by having a 
watchfall eye over them, and sufering noe raballings 
or meetings amongst such as ther is reasin to belive 
are disaffected, and to disarm them ; and if any at- 
tented persons come now into the country, or any 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FOEMEE DAYS. 337 

strangers, that they be immedeatly secured, with ther 
papers, and the Lord Justice Clarke and Mr. Dundas, 
his Majesties Advocat, aquanted of the same, that 
they may be disposed of according to ther order. 
Your ready complyance in this, as it Avill bee a mark 
of your zeal and aifectione to the King and Govern- 
ment, is not only expected, but earnestly entreated 
by, gentlemen, your most humble servant, 

" Sutherland." 



Sir John Cope commenced his useless march to the 
Highlands on the 20th August 1745, and arrived on 
the 2 7th at Inverness. The defenceless state of Edin- 
burgh demanding his immediate return to the shores 
of Lothian, he marched to Aberdeen, embarked his 
troops on transports, and, under escort of a ship of 
war, sailed on the 10th September. 

" To the Shiref-Depute or Substitute of the 

" Shire of Elgin and Forres. Per express. Haste ! 

" Inverness, Sept. 2, 1745. 

" SiE,- -As his Majesty's troops are to march through 
the county of Murray, you will immedeatly upon re- 
cept of this, give the proper orders for horses and 
carriages to be in readiness to perform that service. 
As the troops are to march from this on Wedensday, 
they will probably get your length on Thursday, so 
that they must be all in readiness to perform that 
service. They are to be payed conform to the Instrue- 

Y 



338 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 

tions^ herein enclosed. As this is a matter that will 
admit of no delay, I do not doubt of your assiduity. 
I have wrote to my chamberlain to have all my people 
in the Forestry of Darn way in readiness, and likewise 
to acquaint the Lyon, that they may be ready to meet 
them upon the confines of Murray. Your diligence in 
this affair will greatly oblige. Sir, your most humble 
servant, Moray. 

" The original Instructions I keep, signed by the 
Crown lawiers." 



Two letters from the Lord Lyon — Brodie of Brodie 
— the first unsigned, but in his handwriting. Cope's 
army was then encamped at Merrytoun, on the estate 
of Boath : — 



To William King of Newmill, Es 



?q. 



" Shirrieff Deputy of Elgin and Forres. Haste ! haste ! 

" Nairn, Tuesday, Septr. the 4:th, 
in the Evening. 

" Sir, — This is by order of Sir John Cope, Com- 
mander-in-Chief of his Majesty's Forces in North 
Brittain, to acquaint you that he is to encamp with 
the troops under his command, to-morrow's night, in 
the neio'hbourhood of the town of Ebin, and that he 

^ Accoi'ding to tlie "Instructions" enclosed in the Earl of Moray's 
letter, the Sheriff had to provide " horses and carriage, for the traus^iort 
of baggage, at three halfpence per mUe ; straw for the tents, and firing 
for the soldiers' kettles, at the ordinary rates," etc. etc. His Lordship 
was then Sheriff Principal of the county of Moray. 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS.- 339 

will have occasion for four liunclred horses and carts 
to cany his baggage ; which horses and carts must be 
in the camp to-morrow's night, because they will begin 
their march next morning by dayhght. 

"You are also, immediately on receipt of this, to 
order the bakeing of as much flour and meal into 
biscuit for officers and soldiers, as your town can 
possibly bake on so short advertisement, for which 
you will be paid in ready money ; so let me beg of you 
to set all hands to work in publick and private houses. 

" You are also to provide one hundred and fifty load 
of straw for the men to lye on, as they all lye in camp ; 
of all which you are to acquaint the Magistrates of the 
town, that they may be aiding and assisting to you. 

" You are also to provide fireing for the troops to 
make ready their meat in the camp. 

" The straw to be provided must be two hundred 
and fifty load, I haveing mistaken it on the other page. 

" Beds will be wanted in the town for the General 
and some of the officers. — I am, Sir, your most humble 
servant, ." 

" To William King of Newmill, Esqr., 

" SherrieiT-Deputy of Elgin. 

" Brodie-House, lialf-an-hour 2'>cist six. 

" Sir, — Yours I did not receive till this moment, 
directed to the Earl, who is not yet come from Inver- 
ness. Meantime, I answered your letter before I re- 
ceived it. 



340 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 

" They will encamp probably on this side of the 
town, near the water of Lossie ; and Major Caulfield, 
the Quarter- Master- General, will be with you before 
the troops, and will mark out that piece of ground he 
likes best, whether it be corn or heath ; and some field 
of corn must be sacrificed for the maintainance of their 
own and baggage horses ; but then they give an order 
for the value of the field, upon the Collector of Supply, 
or rather the Sherrief Deputy gives it by their direc- 
tion, according as four sworn birley men shall apprise 
it. This was done at Inverness, and last night at 
Nairn. 

" You and the Provost, or some of the Magistrates, 
must attend the Quarter-Master Caulfield and the 
Adjutant Loudon (who go before the General), as 
well as the General, to receive his directions. Beef 
and mutton will be wanted, but what quantity I 
know not, only they have a butcher that goes before 
to provide for the officers. 

" This, with my letter last night by my Lord Find- 
later's servant, is all, till meeting, necessary from, Sir, 
your most humble servant, 

"Alexr. Brodie. 

" P.S. — Enquire at Kobert Inness and the rest of 
the merchants in your town, what money they can 
give Lord Loudon, for bills on his agent at Edin- 
burgh." 



SOCIAL LIFE m FORMEK DAYS. 3-11 

From the Earl's secretary : — 

" To Wm. King, Esqr. of Newmiln, 

'\ffrom the Armie at ffoRRESS, 5th September 1745. 

" Sir, — It is my Lord Moray's desire that as many 
boats, as can possibly be got, be had together, to carrie 
over Sir John Cope and the armie, at the Boat of Bog/ 
You will, therefor, immediately upon receit of this, 
take all the necessary measures to effectuate it. Your 
diligence in this will much oblige my Lord Moray and 
your most humble servant, John Stuart." 



His Excellency ought to have written Forres and 
Cullen : — 

" By the Honble. Sir John Cope, Commander-in-Chief 
of his Majesties Forces in Scotland, &c. 

" These are to certify, that his Majesties forces 
under my command halted at Forrest, the 5th Sep- 
tember 1745, where some small damage was done. 
I therefore recommend it to the Sheriff of the county 
and his Deputys to have an estimate made of that 
damage, according to the directions given by the 
Lord Advocate and Solicitor-General thereon. — Given 
under my hand, at CoUen, this 7th day of September 
1745. Jno. Core." 

^ The ferry at the Spey near Fochabers. 



342 SOCIAL LIFE IN FOKMER DAYS. 

" By the Honble. Sir John Cope, Commander-in-Chief 
of his Majesties Forces in Scotland, Sec. 

" These are to certify, that his Majesties forces 
mider my command lay encamped at Elgin, the 5th 
of September 1745, at night, where damage was ne- 
cessarily done to corn, &c. I therefore recommend it 
to the Sheriff of the county and his- Deputys to have 
an estimate made of those damages, according to the 
directions given by the Lord Advocate and Solicitor- 
General thereon. — Given under my hand, at Collen, 
this 7th day of September 1745. Jno. Cope." 



So soon after Cope's defeat and the occupation of 
the capital of Scotland by Prince Charles Edward, 
Mr. Sutherland, an Edinburgh lawyer, considered it 
prudent not to add his signature : — 

" To Archbald Dunbar of Newton, Esqr., 
'^ at Duffus, near Elgin. 

" Edinburgh, ISih Novr. 1745. 

" SiFv,^ — Eeceive inclosed this day's Currant. We 
have, thir ten . or twelve days bygone, been quite free 
of the Highlanders, who have marched towards Eng- 
land ; and this day the Lord Justice-Clerk and several 
others of the Lords of Session and Justiceary, who had 
been at Berwick, came to town with a good many 
attendants, and the Governour of the Castle did them 



SOCIAL LIFE m FORMEE DAYS. 343 

the honour to fire a round of the great guns as a token 
of their welcome. Whether we shall have a Session or 
not this winter, is uncertain, because it will depend in 
a great measure upon the success of the King's armies 
against the Highlanders and others in the Eebellion ; 
for it is said they are endeavouring to shun General 
Wade and his aruiy, and so pass by him the western 
road further up into England, where they expect 
^ to join them ; and, on the other part, no ques- 
tion but General Wade and the King's army will en- 
deavour, all they can, to meet and attack them. We 
know little here of both armies, only what is in the 
Courrant, and we have little to expect untill a battle 
happen, which, it is probable, will be very bloody and 
obstinate. 

" You will know what the postage of this will be. 
Each print is, of prime cost, three halfpence. The 
Mercury is not yet come out this day.^ — I am, Sir, 
your most humble servant, . 

" You are happy to have peace and quiet in your 
country so long continued, whereas we in this town 
(while the Highlanders were among us), and the coun- 
try round us, have been greatly distressed by them 
and their roberies, and we have been frighted by fre- 
quent canonading from the Castle, used for dislodging 
them from sundrie houses where they k(.'pt guard, 

^ Torn out in opening the original letter. 



344 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 

whicli have been demolislied by cannon-ball, and there- 
after burnt ; and, particularly, the west side of the 
Weyhouse is demolished down to the ground, and I 
have been obliged to remove my papers, for fear of 
fire, which now I have brought back/' 



Ludovic Brodie, "\Y.S., announces that the snuff is 
to be sent, and that Carlisle has surrendered : — 

" For Archbald Duxbar of Newton, Esq., 
" Elgin. 

"Edinburgh, 22d Now. 1745. 

" Sir, — I shall take the first opportunity to send the 
snuff you desire. If you have this day's Mercury sent 
you, it contains an account of the surrender of Carlile 
to the Eebels. It is thought, if the bad weather and 
roads have not hindered. Marshal AVade's army will be 
by this time near that country, and that the Eebels 
will offer him Ijattle, which, if it happen, will certainly 
be a very bloody one. The bulk of the Eebel army 
being Highlanders, are resolved to overcome or die in 
the battle, because they reckon it a more ignominious 
death to die by a judicial sentence for rebellion, and 
be hanged, which they have just reason to expect in 
case they should escape and be afterwards taken. I 
have nothing more to write you, but am, Sir, your 
affectionate and humble servant, 

" LuB. Brodie." 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 345 

Sent from Elgin to Duffus, about 10th December 
1745 :— 

" Ther lias been no beef in toun since this day 
fortnight, except one cow of Link wood's, which was 
dear and not very good. I believe ther will be none 
this day neither, at least I see no appearence of any. 
Ther is not one word of news ; the post that came 
yesterday could tell nothing, not so much as if Lord 
Lewis was at Aberdein, but that ther is a great many 
of his men at Strathbogie. 

" They say the Maclouds, with Louden and a great 
many more men, are to be here this week, but their 
intentions are not known, and some does not believe 
that they are comming. 

" You are obliged to Lady Newmiln for the candle- 
wicks, for if she had not had them they were none in 
toun.'' 



From Mr. Brodie of Windyhills : — 

" To Archbald Dunbar of Newton, Esqr., 
" at Duffus. 

" Elgin, Deer. 13th, 1745. 

" Sm, — Receve, inclosed, Mr. Brodie's bill discharged 
on the back. As for news, I chuse to deal little in 
them, as I think little credite is to be given to most 
things told. One side tells us of landings, every day ; 
and, this day or two, we are amused with a defeat of 



346 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMEK DAYS. 

the Brest squadron (though I do not beleive it), and 
Lord John Drumond prisoner at Leitli, with two 
hundred French. The first part of that I suppose 
false, the last may be true. 

" Macload came here yesterday with four hundred 
of his men, and Gineas the day before with his men. 
How long they remain here, or what there intent is, I 
know not, though it is supposed they are to visite 
Aberdeinshire. One of there Captains, lodged with me, 
says there rout is here to remain till further orders. 
He tells me also that eight hundred men went to visit 
Lovat the same day they came from Inverness. I 
think we know little of the result of this visite as yet, 
only it is said Lovat is to give security for the peace 
of his people, and give up all there arms. So you have 
it as I have it, which, with compliments, is all from 
yours, Alex. Bkodie." 



I 



From Mr. King of Newmiln : — 

" Archbald Dunbar of Newtoun, Duffus. 

"Elgin, I4:th Deer. 1745. 

" Dear Sm, — My wife was at church Sunday last 
in the afternoon, but has not been abroad since, being 
troubled with rheumatick pains. She was expecting 
the pleasure of seeing you and your lady here, in this 
fine weather, where you would had the ojDportunity of 
seeing a fine little armie of five hundred Mackleods, 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 347 

commanded by their Chief and Macleod of Guineas ; 
and I hear wee are to have eight hundred more with 
Loudon, on Munday, who went out with these men 
and Lyon with him (as the MacLeods marched here), 
and apprehended and brought in your friend, Lovat, 
prisoner to the castle of Liverness, and fourty stand 
of armes. I hear they are all to march towards Aber- 
dein nixt week, and that the Grants are at Milnben, 
ready to join them in their march. The men that are 
here seem to be very good discreit civill men, and 
behave very discreitly where they are cj^uarterred in 
town, and the people reckon themselves very happy 
they are civill ; and this is all I can tell you, which, 
with our compliments to you and lady, I am, &c. 

'^ W. King. 

" I hear the Lyon and Sir Harrie march with them, 
as volentiers, to Aberdein ; how far farder they goe 
I know not." 



From the Sheriff-clerk : — 

" To xVrchbald Dunbak of Newtown, Esq. 

"Elgin, IQiJi Deer. 1745. 

" Sir,— I shall try to get a man to take the bill on 
Edinburgh, and wryte you therof betwixt and Thursday 
night, if I get a good hand to take it. As for news, 
we have none certain but that the Laird of M'Leod, 



348 SOCIAL LIFE IN FOKMER DAYS. 

with his men, about five hundred, past Spey yester- 
day without oposition. Culkern and Bailie William 
M'Intosh are just now come in heir with two hundred 
men more, and Lord Loudon is expected with five 
hundred more the morow. He also is to bring in 
three field-peices. 

" I am told Lord President's son and the Master of 
Eoss are come by sea to Liverness, and bring some 
great news ; but as neither time nor place, nor any 
particular, is told, I look on it as a fable till I heir 
more certainly. I offer my compliments to your self 
and lady, and remain, Sir, your most humble servant, 

" John Duff." 



Two letters, chiefly relating to the battle of Falkirk.-^ 
To the first there is no signature ; but the other, 
signed " Kead and Burn," is from George Gumming of 
Altyre, lieutenant in Naizon's Dragoons, who, in con- 
sequence of his horse falling, was taken prisoner by 
the victors. Both letters were written on the 13 th 
February 1746, and probably at Altyre, where Gum- 
ming seems to have been, on parole : — 

'' Archibald Dunbar, Esqr. of Newton. 

" Deae Sie, — I am just now favoured with yours, 
which contains more queries than is in my power to 

^ Fought in January 1746. 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 349 

solve, nor am I much wiser, or but little more learned 
in history, than when I saw you last, for the best 
accounts of the late battle seems to agree in substance 
with the short narrative I carried with me from your 
end of the country. The Highlanders were certainly 
the agressors, as they marched seven miles that morn- 
ing with, a design to attack the regular troops, who 
had no intention to engage till next morning by day- 
light ; only when they saw the Highland army comeing 
on, they were then obhged to draw up in form, and 
the horse ordered to march in front and attack the 
Prince's army. As to the numbers on both sides I 
cannot truley inform you. Some says the Highlanders 
in the field were about nine thousand strong, but not 
one-half of them engaged. The other side, I am told, 
were eleven thousand regular troops, besides militia. 
It is aoTeed that the numbers killed on the Govern- 
ment side were not under six hundred, but not so 
many prisoners. The siege continued until they were 
forced to abandon it upon the Duke of Cumberland's 
comeing with a powerful army to its relief; by which 
it would appear their comeing to the North was 
rather force than choise. What succours they hope 
for God only knows, but I shall refer what I have 
heard for a conversation ; but you know^ I am an 
infideal. 

" We are informed (only by common report) that 
the Prince with his army are within seven miles of 



350 SOCIAL LIFE IN FOEMEE DAYS. 



I 



Inverness ; and, though you tell me nothing of it, part 
of the horse and foot comeing to this country, under 
the command of Lord John Drummond, are expected 
this night in your nighbourhood. A friend of mine 
who accompanyed the prisoner^ to this place, will be 
readie (as far as in his power) to oblige, if there is 
occasion. He is gone from here this day to Elgin. I 
shall not trouble you with any history of the Captain,^ 
as he has wrote you himself. As to young Keam,^ I 
am told he is well, but still a prisoner. 

" It is expected and lookt for that the Duke of 
Cumberland is to follow the chase hot to this country ; 
but it is believed, before he can possibly come up, 
Inverness yields. What your politicians and Cabinet 
Councilemen are a doing, I know not. The M'Leods 
and all others att Forres got a sudden call from the 
west, Sunday evening last, and they marched early 
next morning, so that there is no body to hinder 
letters from being delivered. I am, with real regard, 
dear Sir, yours, ." 



" Archibald Dunbar of Newton, Esqr. 

" The ISth. 

" Deae Sik, — As the unfortunate person to whom 
you wrote to-day is deprived of the use of pen, ink, 

" George Gumming of Altjrre. 

2 Mr. Sutlierland, younger of Keam. 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FOEMER DAYS. 351 

and paper, as well as of every otlier necessary or com- 
fort of life, he is oblidgecl to answer your kind letter 
by an amanuensis. In the first place, it is not till 
now that he has been convinced of the sincere ffriend- 
ship of you and your good lady, whom, though he 
desires to see as much as any on earth, yett he can 
not hope for that pleasure at present, it being abso- 
lutely necessary you remain at home, till the Prince's 
army passes, and where, if occasion require it, I have 
begged a ffriend to attend you for the preservation of 
your house, &c., in case of moraders, which is all my 
situation can permitt me to do were you my ffather ; 
but I hope you are so farr from all roads that there 
will be no occasion for it. My unfortunate and cruel 
story must be the subject of a conversation which I 
am as anxious to give so real a ffriend, as you are to 
hear it, but common prudence, nay, my own safety, 
absolutely debarrs my ventureing on it any other way. 
What you have allready beared is so far true, that, in 
less than five minutes, your ffriend, with about fifty 
broadswords and daggers at his breast, ready to cutt 
him in pieces, was stripped of his cavalry arms, furni- 
ture, baggage of every sort, and field-equipage, to 
above three hundred and fifty guines value ; nay, of 
the very things and cloaths about himself, down to 
his hatt, perwigg, and spurrs ; since when he has been 
mostly in a dungeou, without fire, light, or straw, 
among the comon prisoners, oblidged to ease nature 



352 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 



where they satt or lay ; nor has he mounted a horse 
since his unfortunate fall in the battle, the cause of all 
his woe. After beeing taken from gaol, upon hard 
and unheard of conditions, he came on foot here, over 
mountains of snow and rivers of water, at the rate of 
twenty-five or thirty miles a-day, subsisted only on 
whisky and tobacco — for nothing else could mony 
purchass — and only straw or heather to ly on. It is 
certain, from undoubted authority, that Ligonier's 
Dragoons begun the attack a great deal too soon, and 
charged with their swords in their hand at a full trott, 
till they came to the muzles of three thousand of their 
enemy, by which means, and Hambelton's regiment 
flying and breaking in on their flank, the former was 
cutt to pieces. The occasion of this precipitate charge 
and over heasty attack was to wipe off the dust and 
odium of Gladesmoor, which their enemys allow they 
did with great honour. The prisoner is confined here, 
lyable to be recalled at a moment, though in great 
distress of body, and in want of every necessary thing 
— the smalest regrete of those that want freedome. 
The rest of your ffriends here are ffaithfuUy yours, 
and, thank God, as well as can be expected. When 
the crowd is past, by you a visit will be charity, if I 
am allowed to stay ; but come not without the worthy 
goodwife, whom I am most anxious to see, and then 
I shal promise you the most amazeing history you 
ever heard or read. Young Keam I saw often, who 



'se ■ 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 353 

is as well and liappy as any person ever was in con- 
finement. I can say no more ; but God bless you 
and yours. You will guess from whom this comes. 

Adiu. 

" Kead and Burn." 



The measures adopted by the followers of Prince 
Charles Edward were most oppressive. Gordon of 
Carnousie and Maclachlan of that Ilk were not to be 
trifled with : — 

" To James Robertson, Groom to Sir Robert Gordon 
of Gordonstown. 

" Gordonstoivn, 2Sdffehry. 1746.^1 have seized for 
his Royal Highness' service, and for his own proper 
use, from Sir Robert Gordon of Gordonstown, a young 
large black horse, switch tailed ; a bay mare, rel 
back'd ; a large black draught horse, short dock'd. 
You will care for, and keep, these three horses, and 
deliver them to no person untill called for by me, 
under the pain of military execution against Sir Ro- 
bert Gordon, his person and eff"ects, besides what 
punishment his Highness may think proper to cause 
inflict upon yourself for disobedience. 

" Arthur Gordon." 



354 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 

" To all officers, Civil and Military, &c., employed in 
his Eoyal Higliness's service. 

" By Collonell Lauchlan M'Lachlan of that Ilk, 
Commissary-General of his Eoyal Highness the 
Prince Eegent's Army. 

" These do order and require the heritors, and their 
ffactors, tacksmen, and subtenants of and on the lands 
of Duffus (belonging to the Duke of Gordon and Mr. 
Dunbar of Newton), Sir Eobert Gordon of Gordons- 
town, Brodie's lands of Kinnedder, the lands of Find- 
rassie, the lands of Westfield, Coutfield, and Ardgy, 
forthwith to send into the granary at Forres one 
thousand bolls of wheat, flour, oatmeal, and bear, less 
or more, that may be presently stord up in girnels, 
houses, barns, or milns ; and, for ascertaining the 
number of bolls the said lands can presently afford, 
these do authorize and impower you, Captain James 
Stewart, Commissary, to call for and march a partie of 
fourty men, with their proper officers, to the grounds 
of the said lands, and throw open all girnels, housesjj 
barns, milns, and other places of store, and make up 
an exact account of the number of bolls of each kind 
may be found in the said places, and give the samen^ 
duely subscribed, to the commanding officer of the' 
said partie, who is to lodge on free quartering untill 
the full of any such accompt be transported and car- 
ried to the granary of Forres : And, in case of noi 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DA Y8. 355 

compliance within fourteen hours after making up the 
said accompt, these do impower and strictly charge 
the commanding officer of the partie to begin and go 
through the severest military execution, by burning 
their barns and barn-yards, and making the proprietors 
prisoners to the town of Inverness. All which you are 
to do, as you shall be answerable to his Eoyal Highness 
or his General Officers. — Given at Elgin, this sixth 
day of March 1746. L. M'Lauchlane." 



'' To Donald Macklauchlane, Serjent. 

" You are to march immediately to the house of 
Sanchor and lands of Burdsyards, there to remain 
in free quartering till the above sum^ be paid to his 
Royall Highnesses receiver at this town of Forres. With 
certification, in case of contempt or refusall, you are to 
begin the severest military execution, by burning their 
houses and driving away their cattle, but still allowing 
discompt for what victuall is already payed ; and in 
case of not payment of the above sum before ten of 
the clock this night, you are to force the tennents to 
load and carry to the granary at the foot of Lochness, 
one hundred bolls bear and thirty bolls meall, and 
that by ten of the clock to-morrow. — Given at Forres, 
the twenty-sixth day of March 1746. 

"L. M'Lauchlane, C. G." 

^ The sum demanded was "two terms' cess" with £60 on each £100 of 
vahied rent, amounting in all to £689, 4s., Scots mone_y. 



356 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 

The Baronet of Gordonston had cause of com- 
plaint : — 

" Memoriall for Sir Robert Gordon of Gordonstown. 

" Upon 16th ffebruary 1746, the Kebells came into 
the shire of Murray, where great numbers of them 
remained until the 11th Aprill thereafter, both in- 
clusive. 

" During this space severall outrages were com- 
mitted by them ; most people were barrassed and op- 
pressed, but none so signally as I and my tennents. 

" Upon the very day of their coming, I had ane 
order upon me, signed by ffrancis Gordon, for no less 
than one thousand stone weight of hey, twenty cart 
loads of straw, and ten bolls of oats. 

" I had a very large pease-stack in my corn-yard, 
and it was the practice of the Rebells, when they 
brought their horses to carry away loads from Gor- f 
donstown, to put thei;^ horses to eat at this pease- 
stack ; and as above sixty horses could have conve- 
niently eaten at this stack at one and the same time, 
and that they were at different times put to, and did 
eat at the stack, it necessarily follows that I thereby 
suffered damages. 

" The Eebells not only signally harrassed my ten- 
nents by free quartering upon them, &c., whilst their 
officers quartered within the house of Gordonstown, 
but also they locally quartered within that house above 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 357 

thirty privat men, besides their commanders, and who 
remained within that house for ten or twelve days. 

" The Kebells destroyed my pigeons at Gordons- 
towm, by shooting the doves ; and, in the evening, 
when it w^as to be presumed the doves had entered 
the dovecott, they first stoped the dovecott that the 
pigeons could not get out, then broke open the door, 
and entering the dovecott destroyed the doves within. 

" They also destroyed my dovecott of Bellormy. 

" The Eebells carried myself prisoner from Gordons- 
town to Elgin, where I was detained for ten days, and 
from thence carryed prisoner to Inverness. 

" The Rebells forced Lady Gordon and her children 
and ffamily to leave the house of Gordonstown, after 
my being carried away prisoner. 

" After the ffamily were obliged to leave the house 
of Gordonstown, and that the doors were shut, the 
Rebells entered the house at the windows, threatened 
to destroy the servants who were about the town, as 
they had also threatened my officer before, and carryed 
away pork, hams, dry ffish, books, &c., out of the 
house. 

" As my servants were threatened, and I was ob- 
liged to secrete my labouring horses,^ so a part of the 
lands in my natural possession suffered damage by 



1 The stable where Sir Robert concealed his horses may yet be seen at 
Covesea. It is a natural cave in a rock facing the sea, and was then 
probably within flood-mark. 



358 SOCIAL LIFE IX FOEMER DAYS. 



^ 



being mislaboured, and other parts by not being at 
all laboured, which damage is ascertained to amount 
to forty-four bolls. 

" They also carryed away from me, out of DoUas, 
ftive mares with ffoal, and two horses. 

" The Eebells broke open the doors and windows 
of my house of Eininner, and carryed away and de- 
stroyed severall things within the house. 

" The Eebells killed and carryed away a large sow 
from Doll as. 

" They tied my herd at Dollas, and kept him pri- 
soner untill a cow was drowned. 

" The Eebells exacted from Lady Gordon a term's 
cess, being one hundred and thirty-two pounds sixteen 
shillings Scots. 

" The haill particular damages above mentioned 
were done to myself personally; and, besides those, 
my tennents were severely harrassed. They were not 
only obliged to maintain numbers of the Eebells, for 
the far greatest part of the time they were in the 
country, in bed and dyet gratis, but were also robed 
of money and other effects, bodily abulziements, corns, 
carts, sacks, and horses, whereof they can bring evi- 
dence. One tennent was, without offence, beat in his 
own house, and afterwards carried to Elgin, and made 
prisoner, where he was detained untill he paid money 
for being put at liberty ; and the servant of another 
tennant was causless shot to death, without any pro- 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FOEMEE DAYS. 359 

vocatioD given, and, though the criminal was appre- 
hended and the murder represented, no redress was 
had. 

" The Kebe]l officers who put up at the house of 
Mr. Dunbar of NewtOAvn, my next neighbour, sent 
their horses from thence to be maintained in my 
stables at Gordonstow^n, though, sametime, it is ffact 
true that Mr. Dunbar had aboundance of corn, straw, 
and hey of his own ; whence it may be presumed the 
horses w^ere not sent to my stable but out of pique, 
and very probably upon Mr. Dunbar's recommendation. 

" But Mr. King of Newmiln did not act so much 
behind the curtain ; ffor two witnesses declare, that 
about the beginning of March 1746, Newmiln, in a 
conversation with a company of Eebels in his own 
Close (particularly one called Captain Wood of Glas- 
gow), said to the Rebells ' That they would find horses 
for their purpose at Gordonstown, and failling that at 
Drainy, for that I had thirty horses very fit for their 
hussars.' Thus far one of the witnesses declares, and 
the other says somewhat further, ' That he heard New- 
miln order a party of the Rebells, who were going out 
to seize horses, to go to Gordonstown and Drainy, 
where they would find good horses, for that I never 
wanted thirty horses fit for their hussars ; and that he 
heard Newmiln caution the Rebells whom he informed, 
not to let him be seen in the matter.' " 



360 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 



I 



Sent from Elgin to Duffus, on Sunday, IBth April 
1746 :— 

" The Eebels went from here last nio;ht. The Duke 
with his army came past this day ; did not stop here. 
They say they are to encamp near Alves. 

" I don't know if they will need forrage, but they 
have prodigious quantities of that and all provisions 
along with them. We saw the Master of fforrbes 
here, and spoke to him ; and I saw the Lyon, Kinstery, 
Spynie, and Sir Harrie, on the street. Nobody can 
tell their numbers, but certainly they are very numer- 
ous — they say eighteen thousand." 



The list is in the handwriting of the Master of 
Forbes : — 

" List of Eebell Officers and men killed at the Battle 
of CuUodden, April 16th, 1746. 

'' Killed. 
" Mr. Macgillewrey of Drumnaglass, Colonel to the 

Macintoshes. 
Mr. Macbain, Major to do., and twelve more of theii- 

officers. 
Mr. Maclachlan, Chief of the clan Maclachlan. 
Macdonald of Keppoch, i These three we are not 
Macdonald of Clanronald, > sure of their being 
Stuart of Ardshiel, j 

Lord Strathallen. 



knied. 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMEK DAYS. 361 

Mr. Eraser, young Inveralachy, Lieutenant-Colonel 

to the Frasers. 

Captain Farquharson of the Farquharsons. 

And a great many of their officers whoe's names are 

not known. 

" Wounded. 

" Cameron of Locheil and Gordon of Blelak, with 

several more. 

" Taken. 

" Lord Cromartie and Lord M^Leod his son ; Lord 
Kilmarnock, Lord Balmirino, Major Glasgow of Lord 
Ogilvie^s, Major Stuart of Perth's, Colonel Farquharson 
of Monaltrie, Colonel Cuthbert, and many more of the 
Eebell officers. 

" All the French, both officers and privates, surren- 
dered at Inverness ; twenty-four piece of cannon, ten 
set of colours, and two standards ; above three thou- 
sand muskets ; two thousand five hundred of the 
Rebells killed ; and, including the French, about two 
thousand prisoners in all. 

" The King's army lost, — 

" Four Captains, viz., Lord Robert Kerr of Barrells, 
Captain Simpson and Captain Grossett of Prices, Cap- 
tain Campbell of Lord Loudens ; and two subalterns, 
viz.. Ensign Dally of Monroes, Ensign Campbell of the 
Campbells ; forty-nine or fifty killed on the spot ; and 
about two hundred wounded, including officers ; and 
twelve since dead of their wounds." 



362 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMEE DAYS. 

From the Lord Lyon :- — 

'• To Akchibald Dunbar of Newton, Esq., 

'• att DufFus. 

" Free. — ^A : Brodie. 

" IxvER>'Ess, Simday's night. 

" Dear Archie, — I have yours, and as to a pass 
to Mr. Inness, mine cannot carry him over tlie ferrys ; 
and if I should ask one of General Hawley, who alone 
gives land passes, his only question is this, ' Do you 
know the man to be a Whig (that is an honest man), 
and will you answer for him V and if I answer in the 
affirmative, then the pass is granted. But as I cannot 
say Mr. Inness is a Whig, nor can I answer for his 
loyalty, since I do believe him to be a Jacobite, I 
neither can nor will ask a pass for him, and I do 
think he may be satisfied to be allowed to stay at 
home with his liberty ; for if it had not been for my 
informations of the loyalty of JMurray, all the sus- 
pected persons had been in jayl long before now ; 
therefore, if they are not taken notice of, I beg you 
may not interest yourself for any of your Jacobite 
friends ; for I know Mr. Inness to be one, and there- 
fore I must not burn my fingers with improper appli- 
cations for such people. As to our friend, George 
Gumming, he has egregiously misbehaved in not 
attending the Duke at Forres or Nairn, and if hei 
sufiers at present, he has his own imprudence alone to] 
blame, for he was so self-sufficient that he would nol 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 363 

take my advice in comeing here, or going to the regi- 
ment, or attempting to do it. You liave only heard 
his story, but not the strong allegations against him, 
which I wish he may clear liimself of.^ 

" WilHam Fraser is with you before now about your 
forage. Tell William to write a note by each boat, 
directed to Mr. Lauren c Dundas, signifying the quan- 
tities of hay sent, &c., which will serve for a pass or 
permit to come through the fleet. Your answer to 
Ancrum was a right one. All our compliments to 
Nellie. — Adieu, dear Archie, yours faithfully, 

" Alexr. Brodie. 

" P. S. — For Godsake help us to some hens, capons, 
or chickens ; for the Duke and our mess &c. have no 
fowl of any sort ; we grudge no price." 



Commissariat arrangements : — 

" To the Shirreff-Depute 

" of the County of Murray. 

"Elgin, 27 April 1746. 

" Sir, — It will be necessary, ffor the service of his 
Majesty's fforces, that a small magazine of fforrage be 
laid up in your place, wherefor I beg you may meett 
with the Justices of the Peace and others concerned, 
about your place, and concert measures with them so 

^ He was, by order of the Duke of Cunil)erland, tried by a court- 
martial, at Stirling, but was acquitted. 



364 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 

as to get brought into some proper place in the town, 

about a thousand stones straw, and twenty bols oats ; 

and when any part of that is made use of by the 

troops, cause as much more be brought in, that the 

above quantity may be always ready on hand. You 

may also secure five hundred or a thousand stones 

more straw, and about twenty bols more oats, so 

that, if it is wanted, it may also be brought on any 

emergency. Please cause inform the country people 

that they shall be honestly paid ffor all they send in, 

and if they are backward in doeing it, they will have 

themselves to blame if it is taken ffrom them without 

weight, measure, or price. I am. Sir, your most 

humble servant, 

" Egbert Gardiner, 

Deputy- Commissary!' 



From the Lord Lyon : — 

" Upon His Majesty's Service. 

'" To Sir Hary Inness of Inness, Baronet, 

"at Elgin. 

" Free. — A. Brodie. 

" Inverness, Maij 4th, 1746. 

" Dear Knight, — Though you was angry for my 
recomending my Lord Ancrum to where he could get 
forage, I hope you will not he angry if I intimate to 
you the Duke's orders anent sending him five hun- 
dred baggage horses to carry straw to Lochend, to be_, 
put on l^oard the galley ; and all sorts of provisions 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FOEMER DAYS. 365 

to Fort Augustus. There are two hundred called for 
from the county of Nairn, five hundred from Eoss- 
shire, and five hundred from this neighbourhood. 

" Tullybardin is taken or surrendered att Dunbar- 
toun. I send you Newmills letter, inclosed, that you 
may assist him as a Justice of the Peace, and I do 
think you should send directly for Sir Eobert, and 
Archie Dunbar, to assist you. 

" My family join in compliments to my Lady, and 
1 am, yours, &c., Alexr. Brodie. 

" F.S. — I vt^ould really be glad to find out the use 
of sending me an express to tell me the inconveniency 
of sending back forage to Fochabers, after that neigh- 
bourhood had been drained of it : since you could not 
think you would have rheterick enough to persuade 
Ancrum to obey you rather than the Duke." 



" To the Shteriff-Depute 

" of the County of Murray. 

"Inverness, the 3cl May 1746. 

" Sir, — I am ordered to acquaint you that the ser- 
vice of his Majesty's troops, under the command of 
his Eoyal Highness the Duke of Cumberland, will 
require from the county of Elgin and Forres five 
hundred carrige horses, with such carrige graith as 
they carry their straw. You will therefore order the 
above number of horses to be at the shoar of Inver- 



366 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 

ness on Thursday the eighth currant, without faile. I 
am, Sir, your most humble servant, 

" Laur. Dundas, 

Gommisry." 



I 



Mr. Hall was probably the Quartermaster of the 
troop : — 

" To the Honble. Sru Henry Innp:s, Bart., 

" at Elgin. 

' ' Gordon Castile, Mmj the 9. 

" Sir, — As I am informed by the Duke of Gordon, 
you sent an order to Mr. King to send forrage to 
Focabers for the troop of dragoongs, beg you will 
be so good as deliver the enclosed to him. We have 
not forrage to serve the troop till to-morrow night, so 
must depend upon relief from your goodness. I am, 
Sir, your most obedient homble sarvent, 

^' G. S. Hall." 



" To William King, Esqr., 

" Sheriff-Dept. 

" Gordon Castile, 9. 

" Sir, — After an order sent you to provide the 
troop of dragoongs at Focabers, it surprises us much 
that you have had no regard to it ; but asure you, 
if you do not imediately comply with it, shall aquaint 
his Koyal Highness that your assistance has been 
desired, but you did not honour us with due obe- 
dience as we have not forrage for to-morrow ; expect 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FOEMEE DAYS. 367 

you will send a sufficient quantity to sarve for some 
time, to-morrow niglit. I am, Sir, your obedient sar- 
vant, G. S. Hall." 



Answer to the above :— 

"Elgin, lOth May 1746. 

" SiE, — I received yours of yesterday's date this 
forenoon, and was surprised that you acquainted me, 
thereby, that there was an order sent me for providing 
the dragoons at ffochabers, there having never any 
such order come to my hand, either by word or write. 
It is true I had ane order from Mr. Gardiner, Com- 
missary-Depute to the troops under his Royall High- 
ness the Duke of Cumberland's command, desireing 
me to lay in a magazine of fforrage at Elgin, for the 
use of the troops as they passed and repassed here, 
which I accordingly did, to the extent of eight or 
nine hundred stone of straw, and some small quantity 
of corn ; and secured the quantity of straw, you have 
in the inclosed list, for the use of the troops, which 
was to be brought in to Elgin as the magazine there 
turned empty. There being litle or no other fforrage 
left in this county, who have severely suffered by the 
Rebells in corn, fforrage, and otherw^ays, except what 
^vas carryed to ffindhorn to be transported to Inver- 
ness, for the use of his Majesty's troops there ; and 
as there is no part of the county of Murray on the 
other side of the water of Spey (except the town of 



1 



SOCIAL LIFE IX FORMER DAYS. 



fFochabers, belonoinof to his Grace the Duke of Gordon, 
and the lands of Mulben and ]\Iulderie, belonging to 
the Laird of Grant, and the lands of Gairnty, from 
which there was no forrage demanded to this county 
where these lands ly), it has always been the practice 
that the Sheriff of Banffe supplyed the troops that lay 
at ffochabers, \\dth fforrage and other provisions ; and 
much more ought it to be so at this time, when they 
suffered so litle, in these commoditys, by the Eebells, 
in respect of the part of the county of Murray on this 
side the water of Spey. 

" However, to show my wiUingness and readiness 
that the troops should be served, I have sent an 
order (the copy whereof you have inclosed), and caused 
intimate the same by a shirriff officer this day, that 
you may be served accordingly ; which I hope you 
will be this night, in terms of the order ; tho' I could 
have wished that, as wee are scarce of fforrage in this 
country for serving his Majesty's troops, you could 
have been pro\dde by the Sherriff of Banff, where, as 
I am told, there is plenty of corn and straw in seve- 
rall parishes that are within that county in your 
neighbourhood, such as the parish of Boharm, Bo- 
triphney, and Aberlour, Keith, Grange, Belly, and 
Baffin. And if you have not occasion for the quantity 
in the list I have sent you, I begg you will be so good 
as acquaint me of the quantity thereof you have use 
for, that I may secure the remainder for the use of 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 369 

his Majesty's troops, as they shall have occasion for 
it, att this place or any where else ; which is all from, 
Sir, your most obedient humble servant, 

"W. King." 



Sir Robert Gordon gives his sentiments : — 

" To The Lord Lyon. 

" GoRDONSTOWN, May 14, 1740. 

" My Lord Lyon, — You may be sure I would very 
gladly contribute my best endeavours towards settle- 
ing the peace of the country, by giving you any hints 
which I could imagine would be of use ; but I can 
hardly think what to say on such a subject, unless 
that I had some hint of the scheme proposed. In 
generall it was, and still is, my oppinion that the 
Highland dress should be absolutely forbid ; that no 
Highlanders should be allowed to have or use arms ; 
that no man should be suffered to live in the thieving 
countrys, but such as are registred by heritors, who 
should be oblidged to produce such registred persons, 
under proper penalties ; that a body of the regular 
troops should be stationed in proper places, to appre- 
hend such persons as shall dare to disobey the laws, or 
interrupt the course of justice ; that the Crown should 
be at the expence of prosecuting criminals, at least 
before the Court of Justiciaiy, and the expence of all 
criminal prosecutions should be regulate and made 
very moderate, and high penalties put on witness who 

2 A 



3 70 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 

do not appear. Forts in many places will, I dare say, 
be found necessary. 

" I wish your Lordship a good journey to London, 
and shall be extreamly glad to find that such measures 
are taken, as may effectually prevent the Highlanders 
having it in their power for the future to disturb the 
peace of the State or of their neighl30urs ; though in our 
parts Lord Pitslego, with the Aberdeen and Bamffshires 
Lairds (a very few excepted) and their people, did 
more harm since this Eebellion, than all the High- 
landers put together. — I am, my Lord Lyon, your 
most humble servant, Robert Gordon." 



From the Commissary- General : — 

" To William King of Newmill, Esq., 

" ShierifF- Deputy of the County of Murray. 

" Ix^^ERNESS, the 20th Hay 1746. 

" Sir, — The troops here begin to be in want of straw, 
for the supplying of which, I am ordered by his Koyall 
Highness the Duke of Cumberland to acquaint you 
that it will be absolutely necessary to send through 
the different parts of your county ; that what straw 
is may be furthwith sent to the shoar of Findhorn, 
where proper persons are appointed to recieve and 
pay what is delivered there. 

" You will signifie to me the recieving of this letter,j 
and that you are to comply with the above order, that 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 371 

I may make a report of what is to be expected from 
your county. — I am, Sir, your most humble servant, 
"Lawr. Dundas, CommissryJ' 



On the morning of the 2 2d of May 1746, the 
Duke of Cumberland, with the whole army, except 
four regiments (left encamped), marched from Inver- 
ness to Fort Augustus : — 

•' To the Shirriff-Depute of the County of Murray. 

"Innerness, 2Sd May. 

"Sir, — It is absolutely necessary for his Majesties 

ser^dce that you send ffrom your county to this place, 

by Monday's morning next, five o'clock, at least two 

hundred horses, to transport provisions ffrom this to 

Lochend, which is to goe from that by watter to ffort 

Augustus, for the army's use. And it is expected that 

no stop or delay will happen in this demand, as it is 

of the greatest consequence "to the army. — I am, Sir, 

your humble servant, 

" Egbert Gardiner, 

Deputy Commissary" 



Answer to the above : — 

" Elgin, 25th 3 fay 1740. 

" Sir, — Yours of the 23d current came only to 
my hand, between seven and eight o'clock this morn- 



372 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 

ing, desireing to send up to Inverness two hundred 
horses, to be there again the morrowe morning at 
ffive o'clock, a thing morrally impracticable, as it 
would take up all this day and the morrow, before 
they could be acquainted, or the gentlemen of the 
county conveened for ordering out their respective 
quotas of horses : besides that, I had an order from 
Commissary Dundas, Thursday last, and had, in con- 
sequence therof, issued out orders for carrying any 
straw that was in this county to ffindhorn, yesterday 
and the morrow, to be transported from thence to 
Inverness, for the use of the troops there ; and any 
horses that could be ordered from this county, upon 
so short advertisement as yours, are the horses from 
the towns of Elgin and fforress, which are but few in 
number, and the only horses at hand for transporting 
the troops' bagage in their marches, and are to be 
employed this night, or by two of the clock the 
morrow morning, for carrying from this the baggage, 
&c., of Collonell ffleeming's regiment towards Aber- 
deen. 

" I sent you up formerly from this county ^ve hun- 
dred horses for transporting bagage, &c., from Inver- 
ness to Kilmhuiman, and at that time the horses were 
so low and weak that it cost them two days journey 
before they got to Inverness, and some of them were 
keept only one day ther, and others of them ten, and 
some of those horses never returned ; and complained 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FOEMER DAYS. 373 

they got no hire for their labour or horses, as was 
promised. 

" The only gentleman in this county that is at hand, 
and that I had time to communicate yours to, before 
writting hereof, is Sir Hary Innes of Innes, and he was 
of opinion, as I am, that unless there had been time 
for conveening the gentlemen of the shire, as there 
was formerly, when the horses were last sent up, it 
was impossible to send up horses to Inverness to- 
morrow morning, to be there again ffive o'clock, as 
you appoint, which they could not have done had 
they been all ready yoaked in their carts when yours 
came to haod ; and the horses here are now much 
weaker than when last with you, occasioned by their 
frequent carriages and labouring, which is not over 
here, and the most of them employed in other car- 
riages for the benefite of the troops every other day; 
and they have scarcely meat to support them, the 
straw being almost quite out here, and the grass not 
got up by reason of the great drought ; and severalls of 
them in this county have forty-two miles to travell to 
Invernes, so that when you want any horses and car- 
riages from this, you would need to acquaint, three or 
four days at least before, for it took up the most of 
that time before they were all acquainted, the last 
time the horses were sent up. 

" The gentlemen of this county have always, on all 
occasions, shown their willingness and ready n ess to 



3 74 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMEE DAYS. 

accoinmoclate and serve his Majesty's troops in every 
tiling, as far as in tlieir power, as they are still willing 
and ready to doe ; and there is none more willing and 
ready, as far as in my power for serving and accommo- 
dating them, than I am ; but have wrote you honestly 
and plainly the state and condition of the county, as 
it presently is, and how the horses in it are just now 
employed ; which is all from, your most obedient 
humble servant, W. King." 



Government enlisted the services of the Established 
Church. Andrew Fletcher was Lord Justice-Clerk : — 

" Rt. Honble. the Earl of Morray, 

Sheriff of Murray, and his Deputys. 

"Edinburgh^ 2Iay Zrd, 1746, 

"My Loed, — I have subjoined such a letter as I 
desire your Lordship would write to every minister 
within your bounds. As this is for his Majesty's 
special service, and by direction of his Eoyal High- 
ness the Duke of Cumberland, I am perswaded you 
will use all dispatch possible in forwarding these 
letters, geting and returning the answers. — I have 
the honour to be, my Lord, your Lordship's most 
obedient and most humble servant, 

'' And. Fletcher.' 



ii Mi 



SOCIAL LIFE m FORMEE DAYS. 375 

Copy of the letter wliicli was subjoined : — 

''May 1746. 

" Eeveeend Sie, — As you must be best acquainted 
\vith those in your parish who have not been con- 
nected in this wdcked and unnatural Eebellion, that 
none of them from any unjust suspicions may suffer 
any hardships, I am ordered by the Lord Justice- 
Clerk to desire you will make up lists of all those in 
your parish who have not been concerned in this Re- 
bellion, either by carrying arms or otherways ; includ- 
ing in that list not only residenters of all ranks, but 
likeways heritors and liferenters though not residing. 

" Send under my cover two several copies of such 
Hsts, sealed up, one directed to the Lord Justice-Clerk, 
the other to the Honourable Sir Everard Fawkener, 
Secretary to his Royal Highness the Duke of Cumber- 
land. As you have lists of your parish, an answer 
will be expected in a few days." 



Some of the answers sent by the clergy to the 
Sheriff-Depute at Elgin : — 

" Alves, Maij 26th, 1740. 

" SiE, — In answer to yours of this day's date, I re- 
ceived inclosed a print signed by his Royal Highness 
the Duke of Cumberland, the desire of which shall 
be honestly obeyed by me when required ; and, with 
respects to the lists in my parish of those who have 



376 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 



Re- ■ 



not been concerned in this wicked and unnaturall Ee 
bellion, by riseing in arms, I must give almost a whole 
list of my parish, there not being a hnsholder in the 
parish, but one poor grassman, that took up arms 
against the Goverment in any time of this Eebellion, 
and a very few young thoughtless servants who in- 
gaged in this wicked attempt. I shall in a few days, 
send ane answer as desired. — I am, Sn, your most 
obedient humble servant, GrEO. Gordon." 



"Rafford, 3Iay 2m, 1746. 

" Sir, — I had your's, and, inclosed, his Eoyal High- 
ness's order concerning the Eebels, &c. Whatever is 
proper to be done by us as ministers, I dare say will 
not be wanting, and more than that I hope will not 
be expected. I wish every minister had as little to 
do as I. If that was the case, the matter would be 
soon ended, and little disturbance or confusion in their 
parishes.— I am. Sir, your most humble servant, 

" EoBT. Logan." 



"Dyke, May 27th, 1746. 

" Sir, — I have just now yours by Lord Justice-Clerk's 
order, with the Proclimation by his Eoyal Highness 
the Duke of Cumberland inclosed, and shall soon sett 
about makeing the proper return, though, our situation 
with the Eebels not allowing me to make the ordinary 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 377 

course of visitation and examination, it will take some 
days to do it exactly ; tliough I have reason to be thank- 
ful that, so far as I know, there will be no place for 
giveing any one resedenter within my parish trouble. 
— I am, Sir, your very humble servant, 

''Egbert Dunbar." 



"Knockando, May 28th, 1746. 

" Sir, — I have just now received yours requiring lists 
of all those not concerned in the wicked and unnatural 
Eebellion ; with ane enclosed print. Though I am imme- 
diately much distrest with the gravel, I shall lose as 
little time as possible in making up these lists, and 
transmitting them to you as you direct. — I am, Sir, 
your most humble servant, Hugh Grant," 



" Cromdale, 28th May 1746. 

" Sir,— Yours of the 26th instant, requiring lists of 
all those in my parish who have not been concerned 
in this wicked and unnatural Eebellion (with a print 
inclosed), came to hand this day. I shall, how soon my 
health will allow, send two copies of said lists under 
your cover, as directed. It is with great difficulty I 
write you this, being at present confined to my bed. — 
With compliments to your lady, I am, Sir, your most 
humble servant, Francis Grantt.'' 



378 SOCIAL LIFE m FORMER DAYS. 

From the Eevd. Lauchlan Shaw to an Episcopalian. 
The Historian of Moray was a large-hearted Chris- 
tian and a true gentleman : — 

" To Archibald Dunbar of Newtoun, Esqr., 
"Duffus. 

"Elgin, June 6th, 1746. 

" Dear Sir, — I have writen to Aberdeen for this 
years magazines to you, but have not as yet got 
them ; their posts go no farther than to Dundee, and 
they cannot get home books or pamphlets but by 
carriers, who are not frequent. 

"The Lord Justice -Clerk's letter is so general and 
undetermined, that we cannot but differ about the 
meaning of it. We in this town, and others around 
us, send up the names of all our own hearers, who, 
upon conversing with our elders, we have ground to 
believe had no concern in the Eebellion. We omit 
and leave out the names of some of our hearers, be- 
cause their character is not clear, and they ly under 
suspition ; and we leave out all the hearers^ in the 
meeting-house, because they are no part of our proper 
charge ; their attachment to these meetings makes 
them to be reputed Jacobites, and we have not had 
that access to know their conduct, which we have had 
with respect to our own people. All this we wrote 
as a docquet to our lists; if it answers the design, 
it is good, if not, the general terms of the letter must 

^ Episcopalians, 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 379 

be blamed. It cannot be justly inferred, that all who 
are not in our lists are guilty ; the natural infer- 
ence from it is, that we are not proper jud.ges of the 
moral conduct of those who do not submit to our 
ministry. What methods shal be used to discover the 
guilty I know not. Sheriffs and magistrates are re- 
quired to send up lists, and so, I think, are the officers 
of the Custom and Excise. 

" You have no doubt heard of M— j— r G t's 

doom, and that he now lives at home. The Eebels in 
Strathavin and Glenlivat are delivering up their arms, 
and casting themselves on the Royal clemency. If 
others were wise they would do so. I have received 
one man's arms this day. The money, brandy, and 
arms landed in Moydart, make the unhappy men there 
backward to submit, which will provoke the Duke to 
destroy their countries. Glengarrie's and Lochiers 
houses are burnt, and all that country, houses and 
woods, will soon run the same fate, if they submit not. 
Glenbucket and John Roy are in the braes of Strath- 
avin. The Strathspey hostages went south last week. 
The loss done to the wood of Abernethie is very great. 
— I am, L. S. 

" P.S. — If I get not your magazines, I shal send 
per next my own, which are now lent out." 



380 SOCIAL LIFE IX FORMER DAYS. 



We suspect tliat the solemn Fast was, in the High- 
land parishes, bnt a solemn mockery : — 

" To the Shekiff and his Deputs 

" of the Shire of Elgin. 

"Edixbuegh, I2tli December 1746. 

" SiE, — Some days ago there were transmitted to 
you a few copies of proclamations by His Majesty in 
Council, for keeping a solemn Fast on the 7th day 
of January next to come ; and it being necessary 
that a copy of the said proclamation be transmitted 
to each parish, I send you inclosed ten copies, de- 
siring you to transmit one of them to each parish 
minister within your jurisdiction, with your con- 
veniency, in such time however that they may reach 
the ministers so as to be read from the pulpit on the 
Sabbath before the Fast is to be observed. 

"It is like ways desired, that when you send these 
proclamations, you will take the trouble to acquaint, 
by a letter, each minister, that a good many persons, 
of the lower rank, who served in the Eebel army, 
upon their having been lately taken up, have pro- 
duced certificates from ministers in difi"erent places 
in the country, bearing that they had delivered up 
their arms to the ministers to whom they surren- 
dered ; and that the Earl of Albemarle desires that all 
ministers who received any such arms, may forthwith 
deHver them up to the commanding ofiicer of the army 
who is quartered nearest to them, and to take a receipt 



S 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FOEMER DAYS. 381 

from such commanding officer, expressing the number 
and quality of the arms so delivered, and transmit the 
said receipts, severally, to the Eight Honourable the 
Earl of Albemarle at Edinburgh. I am. Sir, your most 
humble servant, Pat : Haldane." 



Concluding part of a letter from the Lord Lyon : — 

"London, March 14, 1747. 

" Lovat's tryal you will see accounts of in the news- 
papers. His own secretaries, and the Pretender's, have 
said enough to hang him without any other evidence, of 
which you shall have particulars in my next ; but this 
has been a heavy week of fatigue upon us of the two 
Houses of Parliament, attending this trial, insomuch 
that I have no time to write any letters this week, for 
we have been kept four days of this week, in West- 
minster Hall, till six or seven at night. — My kind 
compliments to Nelly, and believe me, dear Archie, 
yours faithfully, Alexe. Brodie.'' 



The clergy and members of the Episcopal Church 
of Scotland, who refused to take the oaths to Govern- 
ment, were designated Nonjurors. 

" To the Shirriff-Deput of Murray. 

" Edinburgh, VJth October 1747. 

" Sir, — His Majesty having lately received accounts 
of the insolent behaviour of the Jacobites, and that in 



382 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 

many parts of Scotland, the true friends of the Govern- 
ment, and those who have most meritoriously distin- 
guished themselves in the support of it, have been 
on many occasions oppressed and insulted by the 
Jacobites and their adherents ; and that some of the 
persons attainted of high treason have returned from 
abroad : and that many of the most notorious Rebels 
are known to be lurking about in different places ; and 
that the acts for suppressing Nonjuring meeting-houses 
have not been duly executed by the officers of the 
law, at least that they have not been diligent iu 
observing and discovering the attempts that have been 
made to defeat the intention of these wise and neces- 
sary laws. 

" Whereupon I have had the honour to receive his 
Majesty's commands, by a letter from his Grace the 
Duke of Newcastle, his Majesty's principall Secretary 
of State, to desire and require that you would imme- 
diately make the strictest enquirey into these matters, 
and exercise the utmost force of the law for suppress- 
ing all practices whereby the quiet of his Majesty's 
government may be in danger of being disturbed, and 
for bringing to punishment those who are concerned 
in such treasonable proceedings; and, particularly, that 
you would use your utmost endeavour to discover and 
secure any persons that may be lurking within your 
bounds, who either were attainted of high treason or 
were concerned in the late Eebellion, and are either 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 383 

excepted by name or under some general description 
in the late Act of Indemnity ; and that you would 
make particular enquiry into the conduct of the 
Jacobites, and whether there are any indications of a 
design to give any disturbance to the Grovernment ; 
and that you take particular care that the Acts 
for suppressing Nonjuring meeting-houses be com- 
plyed with, according to the true intention of the 
same, and for that purpose that you enquire carefully 
into all attempts that have been made to elude the 
design thereof; and it is his Majesty's particular 
orders that you should transmitt to me constant ac- 
counts of what you shall do in consequence of these 
orders. 

" Give me leave, on this occasion, to advise you not 
to show or communicate the orders you have now 
received, to any person whatever, except so far as is 
necessary for putting them in execution, lest it may 
be interpreted by some persons to be done to dis- 
appoint the execution of them ; and, in the next place, 
when you get information that any of his Majesty's 
good subjects, who have meritoriously distinguished 
themselves in support of his Majesty's Government, 
have been, or may be, oppressed and insulted by the 
Jacobites and their adherents, you are not to give 
over your enquiry upon hearing that the matter is 
transacted by the privat partys, because it is not in 
the power of any privat subject to remitt the injury 



384 SOCIAL LIFE IN FOEMEE DAYS. 

done to the puhlick ; and lastly, that in searching for 
Kebels you are not to confine yourself to suspected 
places, because it is not impossible that in some of his 
Majesty's subjects, not disafiected, an ill-judged tender- 
ness may have got the better of their duty to their 
king and country. — I am, Sir, your most humble 
servant. And. Fletchee." 



Answer to the above : — 

" ElCxIN, 4:th Now. 1747. 

'^ My Loed, — I was honoured with your Lordship's 
commands of the 17th past, and have the pleasure to 
acquaint your Lordship, in answer thereto, that wee 
have the happiness in this county, to have neither 
attainted or excepted person within the same ; or doe 
I hear, or can I learn, upon the narrowest inquirie, of 
any insolent behaviour from Jacol)ites, dissafected per- 
sones, or their adhearants, to his Majestie's duitfuU 
subjects within our bounds, but all quiet and in good 
neighbourhood ; or can I learn, after the strictest 
inquiry, of any Eebels being returned from abroad, or 
sculking in this county, or is there any such thing as 
a Nonjureing meeting within the samen ; or can I dis- 
cover that ever any of the Nonjureing ministers have 
atempted to preach since the batle of Culloclen, but 
that some of them, as they happened to be in a pri- 
vate family on Sundayes, have read prayers to that 
family and four single persones, and noe more ; but for 



SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 385 

publick places of worsliip, they have none, they being 
all formerly burnt and distroyed, and noe new ones 
set up. 

"My Lord, if any thing worth your Lordship's 
nottice, as to either of the subjects which were men- 
tioned, happens in this county, or as far as I can 
learn from any other, I shall obey your Lordship's 
commands, and acquaint you thereof, from tyme 
to tyme ; but wee have reason to be thankfull to 
Almighty God, that this county had litle or noe 
concern in the late wicked and unnaturall Kebellion, 
which few counties in the north can boast of except 
ourselves. 

" Wee, indeed, in this place mett with a great insult 
in the begginning of October last, from a pairty of St. 
George's Dragoones that were quartered here, who were 
werie civillie used all the tyme they lay att this place, 
but upon the Saturday att twelve a'cioack att night, 
the night imediatly before they marched, they comitted 
great insults by breaking with stones severalls of the 
windows of the inhabitants, and the publick schoole- 
house windows, and some of the magistrates' windows, 
and our worthy good minister, Mr. Shaw's windows, 
where they threw so many and big stones, that not 
onley the glass but the haile timber of his windows 
was driven in, so that it was onley the good providence 
of God that preserved his braines from being knocked 
out, for they drove in the stones with such furie that, 

2 B 



386 SOCIAL LIFE IN FOPvMEE DAYS. 



hard by him, they knocked a cadge to pieces, and 
killed a maves in it, and broke the plaister of the wall 
on the other syde of the room, and severall of the 
stones fell on his wife in her bed sleeping, untill her 
husband awoake her, and desyred her get up for fear 
of her life ; and they marched of only on the Sundayes 
morneing. The magistrates took a precognition of 
some of the facts next day, and put it after their 
Lieutennant-Collonell, who was very angry at his men's 
conduct, and ordered the payment of damnadges done 
by breaking the windows, so that the prosecution 
intended for such an insult is droped, but then I 
thought proper to acquaint your Lordship thereof, that 
in caice that corps should be guilty of any such prac- 
tises in any other place where they lye, your Lordship 
may give them a caution, for I can assure your Lord- 
ship they would need it from their conduct here, for 
they were suspected mostly of being Popish- — the pri- 
vate men of them — and therefor it seems they poured 
out a great deal of their wrath, att their way-going, 
upon our worthy pastor, without any manner of pro- 
vocation ; and such insults upon his Majesties best 
subjects are insuferable from any sort of people. — 
Which is all from, my Lord, your obedient humble 
servant, 

" Wm. King." 



1 



Jl 



SOCIAL LIFE m FORMER DAYS. 387 

Verses which were printed, and privately circulated 
among Jacobite families : — 

" The Birthday Ode. 

" How long shall Eage o'er heav'n-born Truth prevail, 
And stern Oppression hold Astreea's scale ? 
Must Charles's name, to ev'ry J3riton dear. 
Be still remembered with a sigh or tear ? 



Air. 

Sprung from kings in story great, 

For thee we hope, for thee we mourn ; 

To thy throne and ancient state, 
Royal Exile, soon return. 

Ah ! to see that happy day 
May each loyal Briton burn ; 

Tune, ye bards, the lofty lay, 
Eoyal Exile, soon return. 



When on Culloden's plains, in William's form 
Inhuman Slaughter led the rising storm, 
The murder'd infants sunk beneath his rage, 
And mangled Beauty fell with hoary Age, 
How 'scap'd my Prince the fury of the day 
What God, what angel, led thee on thy way 1 
Yet new Affliction points her viper's stings. 
Disloyal subjects, and unfaithful kings, 
Alas, you found, nor sunk beneath the weight, 
Tho' wrong'd, triumphant, and in bondage, great. 



388 SOCIAL LIFE IN FOKMEE DAYS. 

Air. 
" Well brace the drum, the clarion sound, 
And, starting from our trance profound, 

In shining mail appear ; 
While Fi^ance shall, at our squadrons nigh, 
Faint, tremble, drop her arms, and fly, 
And own an Edward near. 

" Can aught thy just resentment charm ? 
Can aught resist thy conqu'ring arm ? 

Can aught thy strength withstand ? 
Yes ; when you see a prostrate foe, 
You turn aside, nor strike the blow ; 

Hear this, proud Cumberland." 



" Meklin. 

" AVhen a sharper shall fly from his merit, a cord. 
And see his son swell with the title of lord ; 
When a Pelham shall end what a Wal2Jole begun. 
And, excising the earth, lay a tax on the sun ; 
"When a peer, in his dotage, the privilege claims 
Of bellowing for George, as he hoUow'd for James ; 
When possess'd of vast wealth, and abundance of spite, 
A scribe is made out of a thing that can't write ; 
When Episcopal lords are all aw'd with a nod, 
And for Brunsivick do more than they'd do for their God ; 
Then Justice, indignant, shall snatch up her sword, 
The times shall be changed, and the King be restored." 



« 



XL. CORONATION OF GEOEGE III. : 
SUBMISSION TO HIS GOYEENMENT. 

The gentleman who "seed" liis Majesty "annointed 
with the holy oill/' held a situation in the Lyon 
Office :— 

■' To Archibald Dunbar, of Newtoun, Esquire, 

at his House at Duffus, per Elgin, North Brittain. 

"London, 2Q>th Septr. 1761. 

" Dear Sir, — Yon will be surprised to read a letter 
from me in this city. I was called by the Lords 
Commissioners of the Court of Claims to walk at the 
procession of his Majesty's Coronation, and was ap- 
pointed grand new robes from the warclrop, with gold 
collar and chains Avith the Order of St. Andrew in 
gold, sett in azure and green ribben ; and accordingly 
I have performed that service, and had a full view of 
the glory that this world can afford in its perfection. 
It would take some sheets of paper to describe you 
the glory of that day. I neither know how to begin 
or how to end. Wee surrounded the throne in the quire 
of Westminster Abbey, and, as I was upon the third 
step of it, and so near his Majesty that I took hold of 
his robe with my hand, I seed him annointed with 



B 9 SOCIAL LIFE IN FORMER DAYS. 

the holy oill, taken, from the golden eagle, in a golden 
spoon, and after this the crown putt upon his head 
with shoutings inexpressable, and then invested with 
the scepter and orb. But what I thought was the 
solemnest part of the whole ceremony, and what took 
my fancie most, was, immediatly after he was crowned, 
the whole Peers of Great Brittain putt on their crowns 
and immediatly went and laid their crowns at the 
King's feet, and paid their hommage to him by kissing 
the scepter, which when done, he allowed them all to 
kiss his hand. Never was there a greater exhibition of 
earthly glory. Tho' the Peeresses were not allowed 
any diamonds in their crowns, they fell upon a method 
to supply this defect, by filling their heads so full of 
them that their crowns disappeared amongst them. 
The grandeur f the ladies in the gallery, both in 
Westminster A ey and in the Hall, as well as on all 
the scaffoldings i the streets, with the innumerable 
diamonds they re decked with, is past description. 
— I am, respectfutj^; dear Sir, your obedient humble 
servant, Jos. Strachane." 



After the death, in January 1788, of Prince Charles 
Edward, whose brother and representative. Cardinal 
York, could leave no lawful descendant, the Bishops 
felt that they could conscientiously recognise the 
Hanoverian government : — 



li 



social life in former days. 391 

'' Intimation 

'' To the Clergy and Laity of the Episcopal Church in 
Scotland. 

" The Protestant Bishops in Scotland having met 
at Aberdeen, on the 24th of April 1788, to take into 
their serious consideration the state of the Church 
under their inspection, did, upon mature deliberation 
mth their clergy, unanimously agree to comply with 
and submit to the present Government of this king- 
dom, as vested in the person of his Majesty King 
George the Third. They also resolved to testify this 
compliance by uniformly praying for him by name in 
their public worship, in hopes of removing all suspicion 
of disaffection, and of obtaining relie' from those penal 
laws under which this Church hae ^o long suffered. 
At the same time they think it th duty to declare, 
that this resolution proceeds fi ^ orinciples purely 
ecclesiastical ; and that they are moved to it by the 
justest and most satisfying reas( as, in discharge of 
that high trust devolved upon the> . in their Episcopal 
character, and to promote, as far i i they can, the peace 
and prosperity of that portion of the Christian Church 
committed to their charge. 

" For obtaining of this desirable end, they therefore 
appoint their clergy to make public notification to 
their respective congregations, upon the eighteenth 



392 SOCIAL LIFE m FORMER DAYS. 

day of May next, that upon the following Lord's day, 
nominal prayers for the King are to be authoritatively 
introduced, and afterwards to continue in the religious 
assemblies of this Episcopal Church ; and they beg 
leave to recommend, as to their clergy whose obedi- 
ence they expect, so likewise to all good Christian 
people under their Episcopal care, and do earnestly in- 
treat and exhort them, in the bowels of Jesus Christ, 
that they will all cordially receive this determination 
of their spiritual fathers. 

" If any of them wish for farther information on 
this subject, the Bishops hereby direct them to apply 
to their respective pastors ; and conclude this address 
with their hearty prayers to, and steclfast dependence 
upon, their gracious Head and Master in Heaven, 
that He would be pleased to bless, sanctify, and 
prosper the pious resolutions and endeavours of His 
servants upon earth, to the advancement of His glory, 
the edification of His Church, and the quiet and wel- 
fare of the State in all godliness and honesty. 

" Robert Kilgour, Bishojy and Primus. 

John Skinner, Bishop of A herdeen. 

Andrew Macfarlane, Bishop of Boss 
and Moray. 

Wm. Abernethy Drummond, Bishop 
of Edinhiirgh. 

John Strachan, Bishopj of Brechin." 



APPEI^DIX. 



Ix many cases in this YoliTme, persons are designated 
by territorial appellations. An Explanatory List is there- 



fore given : — 










Designation. Surname. 


Achnagern, .... Fraser. 


Arundele, 








Grant. 


Asleisk, 








Brodie. 


Barmiickatie, 








Dunbar. 


Birdsyards, 








Urquhart. 


Bishopmiln, 








Dimbar. 


Boath, . 








Dunbar. 


Bracco, . 








Duff 


Brodie, . 








Brodie. 


Burgie, . 








Dunbar. 


Cadboll, 








Macleod. 


Classtirum, 








Gordon. 


Clava, . 








Eose. 


Cloavs, . 








Dunbar. 


Connadge, 








Mackintosh 


Coubin, 








Kinnaird. 


Coxton, 








Innes. 


Culkern, 








Manro. 


Dalrachanie, 








Grant. 



4 




APPENDIX 


1 


Designation. Surname. 


Lady Drummelzier, . . . Mrs. Hay. 


Drummoud, 




Mackintosh. 


Duffus, . 








Sutherland. 


Dunkentie, 








Innes. 


Earnside, 








Mackenzie. 


Easterbin, 








Dunbar. 


ffaskin, 








Gordon. 


Lady Force, 








Mrs. Sutherland. 


Fowls, . 








Sir Eobert Munro 


Glenbucket, 








Gordon. 


Glengarrie, 








Macdonell. 


Grange, 








Dunbar. 


Grangeliill, 








Dunbar. 


Grant, . 








Grant. 


Guineas, 






Macleod. 


Lady Hemprigs, 






Lady Dunbar. 


Innernity, . 




Stewart. 


Innes, .... 




Innes, Bart. 


Kilboyak, 




Dunbar. 


Lady Kilcowie, 




Mrs. Mackenzie. 


Kilravock, 






Eose. 


Kincorth, 






Falconer. 


Kinstery, 






Sutherland. 


Kirkton, 






Spense. 


Knockando, . 






Grant. 


Leatlien, 






Brodie. 


Leuchars, 






Innes. 


Linkwood, 






Anderson. 


Locliiel, 






Cameron. 


Logie, . 








Gumming. 



APPENDIX. 



395 



Designation. 

jMacleod, 

Macintosh, 

Milntoune, 

Miiirton, 

Lady Muirton, 

Myrland, 

Lady N'ewliall, 

ISTewmiln, 

Lady IN^ewmiln, 

JSTewtoun, 

Lady Newtoiin, 

Pitfour, 

Pitgaveny, 

Eoshaugh, 

Skene, . 

Spyni (at page 48), 

Spynie, 

Tanaclii, 

Tliundertoun, . 

Lady Thimderton, 

Woodliead, 



Surname. 

Macleod. 

Macintosh. 

Brodie. 

Calder, Bart. 

Lady Calder. 

Dunbar. 

Mrs. Forbes. 

King. 

Mrs King. 

Dunbar. 

Mrs. Dunbar. 

Ferguson. 

Bremner. 

Sutherland. 

Skene. . 

Doubtful. 

Brodie. 

TuUoch. 

Dunbar. 

Mrs. Dunbar. 

Spense. 



The signature of each of the two Baronets of Innes, several of 
whose letters appear, was Harie Innes — not Harrie, as printed by 
mistake. 

"The Lyon" was the usual designation of Alexander Brodie of 
Brodie, Lord Lyon Kin g-at- Arms. By Lord Lovat, however, who 
dishked him, this very popuLar Laird was called " The Kiug-of- 
Beasts." 

The Vignette on the title-page is copied from a sketch taken 
before the tower was pulled down. 



mDEX. 



Aeercromby, Alexander, Lopes that the 
Sheriff of Moray will allow the Duke of 
Gordon to settle T. Miller's case in his 
Grace's Court of Eegality, 81. 

Aberdeen, John Sinclair collecting for Lossie 
Harbour at, 168, 170; King's College, 1-5 ; 
Old Town preferable to New for student, 
10 ; plaiding exported, 144. 

Abernethie, wood of, messenger attacked in, 
293 ; loss done to, 379. 

Abjuration, oath of, how received at Aber- 
deen, 168. 

Abstinence, total, for six days, 23. 

Achnagern, Laird of, 244. 

Achtirtyre, 87. 

Adair, William, Esq., army agent, London, 
322. 

Adam, Isobel, Pittenweem witch, 264 ; her 
confession, 267. 

Adamson, Mrs. Eebecca, her marriage in 
1703, 200. 

Addresses, complicated before streets were 
named or houses numbered, 33. 

Adjutant for troops joining Duke of Gordon, 
in 1685, 311. 

"Advice," a poetic exhortation, useful in 
revolutionary times, 233-235. 

Advocate, Lord, in 1709, letter on quaran- 
tine, 49. 

Advocate to Sir Eobert Gordon, yearly pen- 
sion paid to, in 1697, 193. 

Advocates, Faculty of, refuse to assess them- 
selves for poor's-rates in 1749, 103. 

Ale to be taken with gilded pills, 20 ; price 
of, at Elgin in 1742, 277 ; at Inverness in 
1654, 308. 

Alexander, Mr., a portrait painter, 116. 

AUacants, a kind of drink, 161. 

Allan, John, in Mostowie, 87 ; fined, 89. 

Almonds and raisins, price of, in 1689, 160. 



Allyhore, Majorca, 320. 

Altyre, 348. 

Alum imported, 148. 

Alves parish, 48, 49 ; letter about rebels, 

375. 
America, the reduction of, in 1759, 104. 
Ancrum, Lord, 363 ; forage for, 364. 
Anderson, Eev. Alexander, ministerof Duffus, 

secures communion plate during rebellion 

of 1715-1716, 335. 

Alexander, tenant in Burnsyde, 333. 

Christian, master of a ship, 151. 

Deacon, 170. 

John, writer in Edinburgh, 236. 

John, armourer, Elgin, 325. 

Eev. Hugh, of Drainie, 241. 

Eobert, Clerk of Elgin Town Council, 

160,163,165,236. 

William, Bailie of Elgin, 173. 

Anise seeds imported, 148. 
i^nodyne, price of, in 1720, 21. 
Anstruther, Captain Philip, of New Grange, 

lives near the Fountain-well, Edinburgh, 

34. 
General, Lieut. -Governor of Majorca, 

321. 
Antimony, tincture of, its price in 1720, 21. 
Antonius, John, an Edinburgh undertaker 

in 1732, his account, 274. 
Apples, Flanders, 191. 
Aquavitse, burnt, price of, in 1700, 39. 
Araskine or Askine, Sir Charles, of Cambo, 

Bart., Lyon King-at-Arms, 74. 
Archbishops of Canterbury and York written 

to by King James n., 313. 
Ardgy, 93; tenants of, to send in provi- 
sions, 354. 
Argyle, Duke of, influence of, at an electii'n, 

217. 
Arndilly or Arundele, 96, 97 : laird o[\ 116. 



398 



INDEX. 



"Art of Love," a book sent to a young 

lady by Ducbess of Gordon, 109. 
Asbburst, Henry, mercbant tailor, Loudon, 

192; Henry Asbhurst, junior, 192. 
Asleisk, Laird of, also Laird of Brodie, 317. 
Assemblies for dancing, etc., at Edinburgb 

in 1723, particulars about, 118. 
Association of freebolders in Moray to annul 

"paper votes," 225, 227. 
Augbteendales, 148. 

Bacon, price of, at Inverness in 1654, 308. 

Badenocb, 49 ; braes of, 296. 

Badbam or Badbame, William, dancing- 
master in Edinburgb, discbarge and obli- 
gation from, in 1704, 14. 

Badon, Jobn, Findborn, 152. 

" Baron, Tbe " (Mr. Gordon of Cluny), 223. 

Bail for Laird of Tbunderton in 1716, 299. 

Baillie, Mr., of Inverness, 246, 250. 

Lieut. A., letter from, 61. 

Evan, 304. 

George, bis marriage, 103. 

William, letter to Bailie Dunbar of 

Inverness, 179-181. 

Bailly, Mr., Sbeviff-depute to Lord Lovat, 
301. 

Baily, Rev. Mr., Inverness, 300. 

Bajans, students of first year, 1, 3. 

Baker's land and mill, 190. 

Balantir, Laird of, bis funeral, 281. 

Baldie (contraction for Arcbibald), 10, 12. 

Balfour, Captain, 161. 

Sir William, of Pitcullo, bis daugbter, 

wife of fourtb Earl of Moray, 279. 

Ballicbastell belonging to Laird of Grant, 294. 

Balls (pills), masticatory, price of, in 1720, 
21 ; box of small, sent by Dr. Walker, 26. 

Balmerino, Lord, a prisoner at Culloden, 361. 

Balsam, price of balf an ounce in 1719, 20. 

Baltic sea-ports, sbips from, under quaran- 
tine in 1709, 50. 

Banks of Edinburgb in 1756 send Glasgow 
notes to get specie for tbem, 103. 

BanflP, servants' wages in county of, in 
1760, 97 ; Magistrates of, interested in 
Lossie Harbour, 170 ; plenty of corn and 
straw in, for use of King's army, 368. 

Baptism of a natural daugbter, 240. 

Barmuckatie or Barmukety (also spelt Bel- 
mukedie and Bermucktere), Laird of, bis 



daugbters' board and education, 16 ; bis 
wife's deatb, 280 ; serves as a volunteer, 
315-318 ; made an officer, 319. 

Barnbill, 87. 

Barouius, Annals of, and otber books, be- 
queatbed by tbe Dean of Salisbury to 
tbe Library of the Catbedral, 290. 

Batavia, Governor of, pays £120,000 to tbe 
British, and begs pardon, 104. 

Batcben, Jobn, feus grounds of Tbunderton 
House, 282. 

Batesson, Na,, Bailie of Perth in 1652, 307. 

Bath recommended, 24. 

Bawer, Alexander, 168. 

Bean, Mr., 131 ; made fortune in India, 132. 

Bear, price of, for Elgin in 1699, 30 ; meal, 
price of, for Elgin in 1699, 31; five bolls 
of, given for a dog, 46 ; a boll of, its price 
in 1708, 55 ; bear and malt exported from 
Elgin to Bordeaux andDrontone in 1676, 
144; and to Rotterdam in 1685, 145. 

Beaufort, seat of Simon Lord Lovat, 243, 
246, 247, 248 ; Thomas Eraser of, 310. 

Beef, price of, at Elgin in 1710, 32 ; barrels 
of, in 1694, 147 ; sent to Zealand, 150 ; 
price of, in 1742, 277 ; price of, at In- 
verness in 1654, 308 ; scarce in Elgin in 
December 1745, 345. 

Beekworth, Capt., 124. 

Beer, price of, at Inverness in 1654, 308. 

Belcher, William, of Elgin, 188. 

Bell, Peggie, Queen at Lord Crigbton's ball, 
118. 

Bellenden, William, Lord of Broughton,Lord 
Treasurer Depute of Scotland, 75. 

Bellie or Belly Parish, 193, 333. 

Bellman, Langbryde, son of, bis certificate, 99. 

Bellormy, dovecot at, destroyed by rebels, 
357. 

Benefices to be given only during pleasure 
of Bishop, 314. 

Benzion, 22. 

Berwick, Earl of Deloraine visited there by 
Laird of Brodie, 111; Lords of Session 
and Justiciary return from, to Edinburgh 
on its evacuation by tbe Pligblanders, 342. 

Bill of Lading in 1694, 150. 

Billiard -table at Elgin in 1732, price of, 99. 

"Birley men," 340. 

Biscuit, sugar, sent from Elgin, 19 ; why 
sent, 17. 



INDEX. 



399 



Bishopmill, Laird of, 38, 223, 317, 326. 
Bishops of Episcopal Church in Scotland 

submit to GoTernment, 391. 
Bitters, charge for a bottle of, in 1719, 20. 
Blackstob, 190. 
Blackwood or Blaikwood, Eobert, merchant 

in Edinburgh, a son of Sir L. Gordon, 

Bart, apprenticed to, 138, 142. 
Blak, James, 3. 

AVil., Professor at King's College, Aber- 
deen, letters from, 1-4 ; some things sent 

to his care, 280. 
Blantyre, Lord, married to Lady Catherine 

Cochrane, 119 ; his sister married to Mr. 

Hay of Drummelier, 121. 
Bleeding for a cough, 216. 
Blennshell, AYm., tailor in Elgin, his account 

in 1719-1720, 195, 196. 
" Blode," two dogs to have, 43. 
Blubber of whales, charges for procuring 

and carriage, 57. 
Board of young ladies in 1709, 16; of 

students at King's College, Aberdeen, in 

1755, 7. 
Boat of Bog, a ferry on the Spey, 341. 
Boath, Laird of, younger son of, 130; brother 

of, an ensign, 318- 
Boerhaave's, Dr., receipt for pain in head, 

etc., 22, 
Bogg, 49. 
" Bogsie," William Sutherland, merchant in 

Elgin, so called, 153. 
Bogtoun, Alex., in Khieclehik, 294. 
Bole (a bolus), price of, in 1719, 20. 
Books wanted by Bailie Innes of Elgin, 18 ; 

lent by Duchess of Gordon, 108, 109, 113, 

114; bequeathed to Library of Salisbury 

Cathedral, 290. 
Bordeaux, 64 ; export to, of bear and malt 

in 1676 by an Elgin firm, 144. 
Bottles in salt-cellar at Dufifus in 1708-1709, 

213. 
Bower, Eev. John, presented to DufFus 

Kirk, 241, 248 ; becomes minister of 

Duffus, 249, 250 ; letter from, 254 ; his 

death, 255. 
Boyes, Admiral, pursuing Thurot, 104; his 

anchoring, Oct. 1759, in Leitli Roads, 

104. 
Bracco or Braco, his reported marriage to 

Lady Mary Montgomery, 117 ; Lord, 223. 



Brander, James, elder in Miltown, 87. 

James, younger, 88. 

Brandy not to be had at Fortrose in 1723, 
187 ; price of, in 1714, 195 ; in 1742, 277. 

Brass, old, 144. 

Bread, prices of, at Inverness in 1654, 309. 

Breeches, leather, price of, in 1720, 196. 

Brest fleet pursued by Admiral Hawke, 104; 
squadron defeated, 346. 

Brewhoitse at Duffus, its contents in 1708, 
212. 

Brodie, Alex., of Brodie (Lord Lyon), whale 
speculation, 57 ; gossip about his being 
married, 111; letters on politics, 216, 
217 ; recommends an obedient fellow 
as a preacher, 258 ; on funeral of Duchess 
of Buckingham, 277, 278; letter to 
SheriiF about furnishing baggage-horses 
and provisions for the use of Cope's army, 
338, 339; a volunteer, 347; will not 
ask a pass for Mr. Innes after battle of 
Culloden, 362; letter to Sir H. Innes, 
Convener of the county of Moray, to send 
500 horses, 364 ; at Lovat's trial in West- 
minster-Hall, 381. 

Miss, of Brodie, her yellow gown, 123 ; 

to be married to the young Laird of Mac- 
leod, 124. 

■ Alex., of TilHeburies, 146. 

Alex., of Windyhilis, letter from, 345. 

Capt., at Dijon, 318; his letter from 

Werwick, 319. 

Col., in Brussels, 318. 

George, of Brodie, letter from, about 

the training of hawks, 42. 

James, son of J. Brodie of Windiehills, 

318. 

Rev. James, recommended for Duffus 

Kirk, 257. 

John, of Windiehills, 318, 324. 

Joseph, of Milntown, 16. 

Laird of, 49, 134. 

Lewis Dunbar, of Burgie and Grange, 

71. 

Ludovic, W.S., drinks to excess with 

Mr. Eyre, 67 ; letters about succession 
to Westfield, 86 ; about settlement of 
vacancy of Duffus Kirk, 249-254 ; about 
surrender of Carlisle in 1745, 314. 

Major, his conjpany in TuUibardine's 

regiment, 316. 



400 



INDEX. 



Brodie, William, ensign iu Sir James Wood's 
regiment, 318. 

William, merchant, Elgin, an account 

rendered by Ms wife in 1700, 38. 
Broun's, Captain, troop at Elgin in 1716, 331. 
Broune, Mr., 161. 

Brown, Provost George, of Elgin, his letter 
about grain for the inhabitants, 174. 

Thomas, with Pittenweem witches, 264. 

Bruce, Mr., of Kinross, 269. 

Brulet, Mr. John, a French master from 

neighbourhood of Rheims, 12. 
Buchan, Earl of, in 1619, his letter to Sir 

Robert Gordon for a falcon, 42. 
Earl of, in 1770, his note to Earl of 

Errol, 228. 
Buckingham, Duchess of, account of her 

funeral, 277, 278. 
Bugdaline, nails and deals for, 56. 
Bulkes-head, 56. 
Bulson, Francis, master of ship " Susana," 

59. 
Burdsyards or Birdsyards, Laird of, 251 ; 

and family, 124 ; lands of, to be quartered 

on, 355. 
Burges, James and John, gunsmiths at 

Elgin, 325. 
Burgess of Elgin, entertainment at making 

of, 160. 
Burgh-head, or Burghsea, quarantine at, 50 ; 

letter from fishermen at, 54; whales 

stranded at, 57, 58 ; threatened by a 

lieutenant of the Navy, 63 ; complaint 

against fishermen of, 173. 
Burgie sold to Dunbar of Grange, 71 ; house 

of, seized in 1668 by young Burgie, 72 ; 

and Grange, families of, 71-76. 
Burnett, Miss Mary, of Kemnay, handsome, 

131. 
Burnside, 333. 
Butcher-meat, price of, at Elgin in 1710, 32 ; 

at Inverness in 1654, 308. 
Butter, price of, at Elgin in 1710, 32 ; at 

Inverness in 1741, 189 ; at Elgin in 

1742, 277. 
Butter-kit sent to Dr. Walker, 28. 

Cadboll or Catboll, Laird of, 143. 
Cairn, The {one of the Grampian Mountains), 

35 ; not to be crossed on account of snow, 

170. 



Cairngorm-stone, 97. 
Calamus aromaticus, charge for 2 oz., 20. 
Calder, Bailie, of Wick, beef, tallow, and 
hides bought from, 146, 147. 

George, grieve at Kilcoy, 98. 

Sir James, of Muirtown, partner of an 

Elgin firm, 144, 145, 148, 150. 

William, brother of Sir James, 146. 

Sir Thomas, of Muirton, Knight Ba- 
ronet, settles prices of pi'ovisions in Elgin 
in 1710, 31 ; his niece, 107 ; his interest 
in a herring -fishery, 112 ; bill on, 186. 
Cambrick, two els of, 187. 
Camels' hair imported, 149. 
Cameron of Lochiel wounded at Culloden, 

361. 
Camila, Mrs. Stuart of, 111. 
Campbell, Captain, of Lord Loudon's, killed 
at Culloden, 361. 

Ensign, killed at Culloden, 361. 

Mr., of Delnies, his daughter, 221. 

Mr. James, of Moye, 49. 

Camphere, traffic with, iu 1694, 148, 150. 
Candles, price of, at Elgin in 1742, 277. 
Candlesticks, brass, from London, 183. 
Cannell imported, 149. 
Cap Lachen, thirty guilders to be paid in 

name of, 145. 
Capers imported from Holland, 53. 
Capitulation of Perth in 1651, 306. 
Capons, price of, at Inverness in 1654, 308. 
Caption against Sir Robert Gordon, 254, 

255. 
Capuhins, a lady's dress in 1745, 123. 
Carpenter's, General, dragoons at Elgin 

in 1716, 330. 
Carlisle, surrender of, in 1745, 344. 
Carltown, Mrs., and the new fashions in 

1745, 123. 
Carolina, John Dunbar of Burgie emigrates 

to, 71. 

Carriage-horses, etc., wanted from county ot 
Elgin for Duke of Cumberland's army, 
365. 

Carstairs, Alexander, merchant in Rotter- 
dam, 148. 
Casks that may be of use afterwards, 149. 
Castledowney, seat of Lord Lovat, 302. 
Cattle-stealing, 292-296. 
Caulfield, Major, Quartermaster-General ol 
Cope's army, 340. 



INDEX. 



401 



Causi or Causy (now Covesea), boats of, 47, 

49, 64. 
Centaury, cbarge for two ounces of, 20. 
Cephalic powder, charge for, in 1719, 20. 
Certificate, of a French master, 12 ; of a 

grieve, 98; of a bellman's son, 99. 
Chein, Jean, a governess, her qualifications 

and salary in 1710, 15. 
Chaise had to be bespoken in Edinburgh 

in 1783, eight or ten days before it was 

wanted, 36. 
Chalmer, George, clerk to Magistrates of 

Elgin, 238. 
James, younger. Deacon Convener of 

Crafts, Elgin, 177, 178. 

John, 38. 

Chalmers, John, clerk to Magistrates of Elgin, 

176. 
Chalon sur Saune, Lieut. Dunbar, a prisoner 

at, 318. 
Chanori or Chanry, 57 ; Lady Seaforth 

writes from, 105 ; Lady Duffus writes 

from, 106. 
Chapin stoups from London, 183. 
Chariot from London arrives at Findhorn in 

1717, 185. 
Charles, James, Bailie of Elgin, imprisoned 

by Earl of Sutherland, 300. 
Charles-Edward, Prince, birthday ode in 

honour of, 387. 
Charles ix. of France, Dean of Salisbury 

once Gentleman of Chamber to, 286. 
Charlton, Esquire, not pardoned after Mon- 
mouth's Eebellion, 313. 
Cheese, price of, at Elgin in 1710, 32 ; 

Cheshire, its price at Forres in 1714, 

195. 
" Chittock," a person in Elgin so called, 

132. 
Chrichton, Patrick, saddler, Edinburgh, his 

account in 1731, 197, 198. 
Chickens, price of, at Elgin in 1742, 277. 
Christie, Alexander, 168. 
Chyr-aporie, Mackenzie, of Elgin (/.e.,chirur- 

geon-apothecary), his account, 20, 21. 
Cinnamon waters, 160. 
Circuit Court of Justiciary had not proper 

accommodation at Inverness in 1786, 89- 

92. 
Citydella, Majorca, 320. 
Olanranald engaged in cattle-lifting, 292. 

9 



Claret, price of, in 1769, 40; in 1742, 277. 
Classtirum, Laird of, 334. 
Clava, Laird of, 55. 

Clergy feasted by rival claimants for patron- 
age of Duifus Kirk, 241, 250. 
Cleveland, Captain, 160. 
Cloavs, Laird of, 44. 

Cloth, scarlet, and scarlet stockings, 186. 
Clove gillifloor, syrup of, 161. 
Cloves imported, 149. 
Cluny M'Pherson, letter to Sir L. Gordon, 

Bart, in 1676, 292. 
Coach, The Boyal Charlotte Light Post, 

took two and a half days to run between 

Edinburgh and London in 1789, 37. 
Coban, Mr., 96. 
Cochran, Lady Anne, birthday, 6lh Feb. 

1723, her wedding dress, 117. 
Lady Catherine, to be married to Lord 

Blantyre, 119. 
Cock-a-leekie, 28. 
Coquet, 147. 

Cod-fish, price of, in 1708, 55 ; in 1710, 32. 
Coffee-beans, price of, in 1712, 195, 
College servants, King's College, Aberdeen, 8. 
Collie, Mr. William, helper at Drainie, 241, 

242. 
Colme, M. Jo., poetic begging-letter from, 

201. 
Colt, Major, 50. 
Commissariat arrangements after Culloden, 

363. 
Commissioners of Supply for Elgin fix prices 

of grain in 1699, 30. 
Committee of the shire of Elgin on Quaran- 
tine, July 1647, 47. 
Communion Office of Scotch Episcopal 

Church introduced by Bishop Gadderer, 

238, 
Communion-plate of Duffus Kirk, 335. 
Compton, Spencer, Speaker of BLouse of 

Commons, to High Sheriff of Elgin, 80- 
Comrie, Patrick, Surveyor of Inverness, 152. 
Confession of Faith, Mr, Eobertson has 

scruples about subscribing to, 171. 
Conqueror, John, Bailie of Perth in 1652, 

307. 
Controversial subjects to be avoided by 

clergy, 314. 
Cook, Mr., 9. 
John, in Barnhill, 87. 



C 



402 



INDEX. 



Cook, Robert, Advocate, aiidthe Pltteuweeni 
witch, 270. 

Cope, Sir John, his marcli to Highlands, 337 ; 
encamps near Elgin, 338 ; provisions for 
encampment, 339 ; letters about damage 
done by his army halting at Forres and 
Elgin, 341, 342. 

Copper, old, 144. 

Cordecitron, a sweetmeat, 160. 

Corf-house, loads of wliale-blubber taken to, 
57. 

Corn and straw for a horse, price of, at 
Elgin in 1700, 39. 

Corphar, Janet, 268, 269 (see Corseitt) ; lier 
miserable murder, 272. 

Corseitt, Jane, Pittenweem witch, 264 (see 
Corphar). 

Cosmetic, price of a, in 1719, 21. 

Cottise (now Cotts), Loch of, 45. 

Couban, Andrew, in Mostowie, 87. 

Coabin, Laird of, 49. 

Country matters, 93-100. 

Couper, Mr., 170. 

Coutfield, blacksmith in, 58 ; tenants of, to 
send in provisions, 354. 

Courant, Edinhurgli Evening, 1B4; of 13th 
Nov. 1745, with news of rebels' move- 
ments, 342, 343. 

Covesea, fishermen of, complaint against, 
173; cave at, where horses were con- 
cealed, 357. 

Cow, Dr. Walker proposes to kill a full-fed 
one, its price per pound, 29 ; price of, at 
Inverness in 1654, 308. 

Cowper, Eev. Mr., of Pittenweem, 271, 272. 

Coxton, also Coxtoune or Coxtown, 87 ; 
Laird of, 52, 317. 

Craigemur, Wood of Abernethie, 294. 

Craigo, James, shoemaker, Edinburgh, his 
account in 1718, 197. 

Crafts in Elgin, order for regulation of, in 
1675, 176. 

Crape, mourning, imported, 149. 

Crawford, John, collector at Inverness, 151. 

John, servitor to Mr. Dalrymple, Advo- 
cate, 193 ; receipt of, 194. 

Creich, Kirk of, 232. 

Crighton or Crichtoun, Lord, gives a ball, 
118 ; pays his addresses to Lady Susan 
Hamilton, 119. 

Criticism, on a tragedy, by Duchess of Gor- 



don in 1722, 108 ; on novels, by the same, 
113, 114. 

Cromarty, 57. 

George, first Earl of, 105. 

George, third Earl of, a prisoner at 

Culloden, 361. 

Crombie, Wm., vintner in Elgin, 65. 

Cromdale parish, letter about rebels, 377. 

Cromdell, Alex. Gordon of, 295. 

Cromwell lays siege to Perth, 305 ; his 
troops at Inverness, 307. 

Crookmoor, 45. 

Crossley, 87. 

Croughtly, alias " Groupie," his begging 
letter, 202, 203. 

Crowns of Peers laid at feet of George iii. at 
coronation, 390. 

Cucumbers from Holland, 53. 

Cullen House, 132. 

Cullen, Cope writes from, 341 . 

Culkairn or Culkern, Laird of, sends express 
to London in 1723 about landing of High- 
landers, 188 ; ariives at Elgin, 348. 

Culloden, allusion to report of Eev. Mr. 
Murray having informed against parties 
who were at, 258, 259 ; list of rebel officers 
and men killed at, 360 ; officers of King's 
army killed at, 361. 

" Culloden Eeel," an officer in the Theatre 
at Edinburgh in 1749 shouts to the fid- 
dlers to play it, 103. 

Culnakyle belonging to Laird of Grant, 294. 

Cumberland, Duke of, loses his sword, and 
trick on him, 102 ; his army, 22d May 
1746, 371 ; pursuing rebels, 350 ; his 
cruelty at Culloden referred to in Jacobite 
verses, 387. 

Cumin, Logie, son of, at Elgin school, 2. 

Cuming, Eev. Alex., clerk to Synod, 233. 

Cummin, Mrs., 120. 

Cummine, Alex., tide-surveyor at Inverness, 
65. 

Gumming, Alex., of Logie, his Avife's death 
and funeral, 283. 

Janet, 240. 

Capt., comical adventure caused by, 

116 ; at Forres Church, 123, 124. 

Lieut. Geo., of Altyre, made prisoner 

at battle of Falkirk, 348, 351-353 ; not in 
favour with Lord Lyon, 362 ; acquitted 
at Stirling, 363. 



1 



INDEX. 



403 



Cumying, Da., Sheriff-depute of Nairn, 

89"! 
Cunningham, Miss Peggy, her runawaj 

marriage with Col. Keith's son, 122. 
Cupar of Angus, Eev. Mr. Smith preaches to 

rehels in church of, 334. 
Castom-house charges in 1708, 56. 
Cuthhert, Col., a prisoner at Cullodeu, 361. 

Dally, Ensign, of Monroes, killed at Cul- 
loden, 361. 

Dalrachanie, Grant of, 245 ; writes to Lord 
Lovat, 248. 

Dalrymple, Sir James, marries Lady Chris- 
tian Hamilton, 122. 

Hew, of North Berwick, advocate, 

receipt for year's pension, 193. 

Damage to corn by Cope's army at Forres, 
341 ; at Elgin, 342. 

Dancing-master's discharge and obligation 
in 17C4, 14. 

Danzick, ships from, under quarantine in 
1709, 50. 

Darnaway, people of forestry, ready to 
assist Cope, 338. 

Dawson, William (afterwards Provost of 
Forres and Laird of Hempriggs), captain 
of " Seven Brethren," 55 ; letter about a 
chariot having arrived at Findhorn from 
London in 1716, 185 ; his account in 1709- 
1714, 194; accused of importing arms for 
rebels in 1716, 329; imprisoned by Earl 
of Sutherland, 300. 

Dean's manse, Elgin, 71. 

Death, the punishment for breaking quaran- 
tine at Covesea, 48. 

Deloraine, Earl of, Laird of Brodie visits at 
Berwick, 111. 

Demurrage on detention of ships, 145. 

Denoon, David, makes foot-mantle for Laird 
of Mackintosh, 215. 

Deskford, Lord, reported marriage with 
Laird of Drummelzier's daughter, 118; 
like the ghost of Tenducie, 132 ; gives 
money for Lossie Harbour, 170. 

Designation of estate to a person's name 
does not necessarily prove ownership of 
estate, 74. 

Diack, Mr. Alexander, recommended as a 
tutor in 1754, his qualiiications and 
terms, 11. 



Diamonds not allowed in ci'owns of peeresses, 

how they supplied the defect, 390. 
Dieppe, invoice of ship from Findhorn bound 

for, 56. 
Diet, physical, what it was in 1713, 20. 
Diet-drink, 21. 

Dining-room furniture at Duffus in 1708, 208 . 
Dinkinty, or Dunkenty, Innes of, 300, 317. 
Dipple, Duff of, 299. 
Dogs, two young, to be tried at sport, 43 ; 

" Grossie " and " Spottie Boug," valuable 

animals, 46. 
Dollas or Pollase, 292 ; depredations of 

rebels at, 358. 
" Don Carlos," a novel sent by Duchess of 

Gordon, 115, 
Donaldson, James, merchant in Edinburgh, 

15. 

Robert, writer, Covenant Close, 134. 

Dornoch, 232. 

Douglas, Duke and Duchess, separation of, 

in 1756, 103. 
- - ■ James, 88. 
William, keeper of magazine at Elgin 

in 1716, 330. 

Rev. Mr., a priest, 334. 

Doune, Lord, funeral of his mother, the 

Countess of Moray, in 1683,279, 
Dragoons, St, George's, breaking windows 

at Elgin, 385. 
Drainie, parish of, 241. 
Drainy, horses at, kept by Sir R. Gordon, 

359. 
Drinking habits in 1742, curious illustra- 
tion, 283. 
Drinking-song in 1725, 153-158. 
Drontone, traffic of Elgin firm with, in 1676, 

144. 
Drugs imported in 1705, by Dr. Innes of 

Elgin, direct from London, 17. 
Drum cords from London, 183. 
Drummelier or Drummelzier, Lady, a pa- 
troness of the assemblies at Edinburgh in 

1723, and daughter, 118. 
Drummer of Elgin, petition from, 162. 
Drumnochter, Lord Strathnaver issues orders 

from, 311. 
Druramond, Laird of, pursued by Cluny 

M'Pherson, 293. 
Lord John, reported to be a prisoner at 

Leith, 346, 350. 



404 



INDEX. 



Drummond, William Abernethy, Bishop of 
Edinburgh, submits to Government, 392. 

" Drunk at Inverness," Laird of Brodie 
writes that he is to be, 218. 

Duck and drake, price of, at Elgin in 1710, 32. 

Dues paid by students at King's College, 
Aberdeen, in 1755, 8. 

Duff, Rev. Alexander, demits title to Kirk 
of Creich in 1623, the reasons why, 232. 

Provost, of Elgin, writes about scarcity 

of peats, 94. 

William, of Dipple, 299. 

Mr., of Crombie, 253. 

Duff House, seat of Earl of Fife, 227. 

Duffs, at an election, 230. 

Duffus, 45 ; Kirktown of, 48 ; Laird of, 48 ; 
parish of, 49 ; vacancy in kirk, 240 ; 
teinds, 242 ; letters from Lord Lovat about 
the patronage, 243-249 ; Mr. Bower settled 
as minister, 249 ; applications in 1748 for 
vacant church, 255-257 ; letter to minis- 
ter's widow from an Elgin waiter, 278. 

Alexander, Lord, possesses Tbunderton 

House in 1653, 282 ; Governor of Perth 
in 1651, 365. 

James Lord, 14; kills Ross of Little 

Kindeace in 1688, 105. 

Mai'garet, Lady, letter from, in 1688, 

106. 

Dumbrake, Alexander, his pole-money, 193. 

Durabrek or Dumbreak, Christian, 143. 

Dunbar, Alexander, of Barmuckatie, serves 
under Duke of Marlborough, 16, 315; 
extracts from his letters, 316-318 ; a pri- 
soner at Chalon, 318 ; lias to sell his 
clothes, 318. 

Alexander, of Bishopmilne, Sheriff of 

Moray, 326. 

Alexander, of Westfield, 83. 

Sir Alexander, Bart., letter to Earl of 

Fife, 226-228. 

Sir Alexander, of Westfield, heritable 

Sheriff of Moray, 80, 282. 

Archibald, of Newton, certificate in 

1755 to a French master, 14; letters to 
James, seventh Earl of Moray, 219-221 ; 
letter to Henrietta Duchess of Gordon, 
242, 243; rebel officers put up at his 
house, 359. 

Ai'chibald, of Thunderton, letter to 

his wife, describing a journey in 1708, I 



35 ; whale speculation, 57 ; countenances 
smuggling, 64, 65 ; sold Thunderton in 
1712, 74 ; Deputy-Lieutenant in 1722, 
297, 298 ; imprisoned by Earl of Suther- 
land, 298-304 ; attends a meeting-house, 
333 ; Sheriff-Principal of Moray, 336. 

Dunbar, Sir Archibald, sells Thunderton 
House to John Batchen, 282. 

Bailie, George, merchant, Edinburgh, 

86. 

Captain, his writing-chamber near 

the Cross, Edinburgh, 33. 

Captain John, 316. 

David, of Dunphail, Deputy -Lieutenant 

of Elginshire, 326. 

James, 48. 

James, what he said to Lord Lovat, 

303 ; gets information about W. Dawson 
having assisted rebels, 329. 

James, merchant, Inverness, letters to, 

179-183 ; answer to first letter, 181 ; 
could have been a witness, 300. 

James, of Inchbrok, his undutiful wife, 

77 ; funeral letter from Lord Doune to, 
279. 

James, of Westfield, his three daughters 

possessed Thunderton House in 1601, 
282. 

James, Sheriff of Moray, 82. 

John, of Burgie, emigrates to Carolina, 

71. 
Ludovic, of Grange, his horse, etc., re- 

qiiired for Government, 325 ; value of 

arms received from, 327. 
Ludovic, of Westfield, sells jurisdic- 
tion of Sheriffdom of Moray to the Earl 

of Moray, 82 ; his death, 86. 

Robert of Burgie, 49, 73. 

Robert, of Grangehill, commander of 

the Moray Horse in 1716, 324. 
Robert, of Newton, settles price of 

provisions in Elgin in 1710, 31 ; two 

notes to his brother Archibald, 43, 44 ; 

letter about fimeral of wife of Laird of 

Barmukaty, 280. 

Robert, younger, of Burgie, cited by 

Lyon King-at-Arms, 74. 

Rev. Robert, wants to get a book pub- 
lished in London, 184. 

Rev. Robert, of Dyke, letter about 

rebels, 377. 



INDEX. 



405 



Dunbar, Thomas, of Grange, 71. 

Eev. Thomas, D.D., Vicar of Little 

Bustead, Essex, letter about the sale 
of the Sheriffdom of Moray, 82-85. 

AViliiara, Adjutant, letter from, dated 

Port Mabou, 320, 322. 

William, of Kiucorth, account ren- 
dered to him for entertainment at Elgin 
in 1699-1700, 38. 

William, W.S., letter from, 130-133. 

Sir William, Bart, of Durn, 38. 

Sir William, of Hemprigs, 86, 124, 221, 

222. 
Mrs. Ann, letters from, 122, 123. 

Mrs. Elizabeth, letters to, from 

Duchess of Gordon, 107-116. 

Mrs. Elizabeth or Bettie, how she is 

to take pills, 20 ; receives a fan from the 
Duchess of Gordon, 115 ; her funeral ex- 
penses, 274. 

Mrs. Peggy, an active partisan, 250, 

254. 

Janet, gets £2 sterling, as quarterly 

board for two young ladies, 16. 

Meg and Ket, daughters of A. Dunbar 

of Belmuckedie, their board and edncation 

in 1709, 16. 
Dunbar's Hospital, Inverness, founded in 

1668, 319. 
Dundas, Mr., Lord Advocate in 1722, 337. 
Dundas, Laurence, Commissary-general, 

363 ; order from, for carriage-horses, 365 ; 

for straw, 370. 
Dunibristle, Fifeshire, seat of Earl of Moray, 

117. 
Dupoye's, Lieutenant, horse at Elgin in 

1716, 331. 
Duradounes, or cross dollars, current at 

Liege and in Scotland in 1705, 316. 
Dutch ships taken in 1760, 104. 
Dyke, parish of, 48 ; Countess of Moray 

buried at, in 1683, 279 ; letter about 

rebels, 376. 
Dykeside, Lady, or Mrs. Anne Dunbar, 122. 

Earnside, Laird of, his son dies at Eheims 
in 1712,318. 

Ecclesiastical matters, 232-260. 

Edinburgh, gossip in, 101-104; dancing as- 
semblies in 1723, 118 ; Guild Court, books 
of, 141 ; .lohn Sinclair collecting for Lossie 



Harbour, 169; gallant defence of Castle 
in 1686, by Duke of Gordon, 314. 

Education in former days, 1-16. 

Eggs, price of, at Elgin in 1710, 32 ; in 1742, 
277 ; at Inverness in 1654, 308. 

Elcbes or Elchies, Lord, 249 ; his sister 
married to Grant of Dalrachanie, 248. 

Election, for county in 1747, and election 
trick, 216, 217; correspondence, 218-228 ; 
song, 229-231. 

Elecuary, an, for Lady Thunderton, 21. 

Elgin, school of, 1 ; High-Sheriff of, written 
to in 1721 about representation of shire, 
80 ; plaiding exported in 1692, 144 ; 
Town Council, tavern account in 1693, 
159-161 ; town-officer's petition for fees 
due, 164; Presbytery of, and Mr. William 
Robertson, in re Confession of Faith, 171, 
172 ; Grey friars Kirk, repair of, 176, ]77 ; 
church vacant in 1689 and 1694, letters 
about, 235, 236 ; jail used as lunatic 
asylum, 281; exactions on, in 1715 by 
Earl of Sutherland and Lord Lovat, 323 ; 
Sir John Cope encamps near, 338 ; rebels 
at, in April 1746, 360. 

" Elizabeth," a tender at Speymouth in 
1761, why there, 61. 

Elphinston, Master of, his sou's tutor passes 
as factor, etc., 11. 

Episcopalians, after KebelHon of 1745-1746, 
reputed Jacobites, 378. 

Episcopalian ministers complained of by 
Presbytery of Elgin in 1716, 331-335. 

Errol, Ci)untess of, her death in 1723, 119. 

Erskine, Alexander, Collector of Customs at 
Inverness, protests against the Provost of 
Elgin for convening wine into water, etc., 
65, 66. 

Major, magniiicent marriage of, 121. 

Esterbin, Laird of, 49. 

" Etmullerus, his Works Compendised and 
Englished," a book wanted by Dr. Innes 
of Elgin, 18. 

Exactions on Elgin during Rebellion of 
1715-1716, 323. 

Excise, on wine and salt in 1695, 151. 

Inverness disjoined from Ross in, 21-1. 

Express, to be sent to Edinburgh, 129. 

Eyes, pain in, receipt for, 22. 

Eyre, Charles, Solicitor ibr 11. M. Customs 
in Scotland, 66 : a bard drinker. (^7. 



406 



INDEX. 



Fair drops, price of four bottles, 1 95. 
Falcon, Earl of Buchan writes for one, 42 ; 

Laird of Brodie sends two to be " bredd," 

43. 
Falconar, William, Bishop of Moray, letter 

from, about a pedagogue, 10 12. 
Falconer, Hon. Captain George, 61 ; his 

printed circular about men for the navy, 

62. 
Fare from Aberdeen to Edinburgh in 1789, 

37. 
" Farms," Provost of Elgin writes about, 174. 
Farm-servants' wages in 1760, 97. 
Farquharson, Colonel, of Monaltrie, a pri- 
soner at Culloden, 361. 

Captain, killed at Culloden, 361. 

Fascan or Faskin, Laird of, 35, 38. 
Fashions in 1745, ladies' caps, etc., 123. 
Fast, solemn, January 17, 1747, ordered by 

Government, 380. 
Faun (Fan) sent by Henrietta Duchess of 

Gordon, 115. 
Fawkener, Sir Edward, Secretary to Duke 

of Cumberland, 375. 
Fees of a French master in 1755, 13 ; of 

a governess in 1710, 15 ; of servants in 

1760, 97. 
Fenton, James, Bailie in Findhorn, 146. 
Festivities of Town Council of Elgin in 1693, 

159,160. 
Fiddich, 49. 
Field-sports, 42-46. 
Fife, James, second Earl of, M.P. for Moray, 

225 ; created an English Peer, 228. 
Mrs., an Edinburgh milliner and dress 

maker, 125. 

Bailie of Elgin, lo9. 

Figs and prunes imported, 148. 

Findhorn to be secured from infection, 48 ; 

letter to skippers of, and their answer, 54. 
Findlater and Seafiekl, Earl of, 133, 340. 

Anne, Countess of, 38. 

Findlay, Thomas, skipper in Findhorn, 54. 
Finrassie, lands of, to send in stores, 354 
Fish, exported to Continent, 52 ; price of 

salted, in 1713, 54 ; price of, at Inverness 

in 1654, 308, 309. 
Fishermen, protections for, 61, 62. 
Fish-market of Elgin, Magistrates would 

have fishermen of Burghsea, etc., first 

offer their fish in, 173. 



Fishings, records of, 52-60. 

Fitch, Colonel Thomas, Governor of Inver- 
ness, his order about price of provisions 
in 1654, 307-309. 

Flambeaux at funerals, 275. 

Flanders, news of battle in, July 1711, 130. 

Fleet, English, off Majorca in 1742, 321. 

Fleming, Colonel, baggage of his regiment, 
372. 

Flesh, license granted in 1665 to eat it in 
Lent, 75. 

Fletcher, Andrew, Lord Justice-Clerk, letter 
from, in 1746, 374 ; letter to Sheriff-depute 
of Moray about the Jacobites, 381. 

Flock of whales, 60. 

Flowers, artificial, 127. 

Fly, The, fare from Aberdeen to Edinburgh 
by, in 1789, 37. 

Flying Post, a newspaper in 1700, 33. 

Fochabers, 132. 

Folley's, Colonel, troop at Elgin in 1716, 
331. 

Forage in 1716, price of, 330 ; to be laid up 
at Elgin in 1746, 363. 

Forbes, Alexander, gunsmith, Elgin, 325. 

-- — Dr., of Elgin, son of, 3. 

Duncan, of Culloden, Lord President, 

letter to local Justices against smuggling, 
68-70; alluded to, 216, 217 ; Lord Advo- 
cate, 299. 

—, — John, of Culloden, called " Squire 
Bumper," 129, 299. 

Master of, 124; list of rebels killed at 

Culloden, in his handwriting, 360. 

— — Rev. Mr., would not accept call to 
Elgin, 236. 

— - — William, cannot attend funeral as he 
has been drinking all day with Magis- 
trates of Elgin, 283. 

Force, Lady, her new cap, 123. 

" Force of Friendship," a novel so called, 
recommended by Duchess of Gordon, 113. 

Fornella's Castle, Majorca, 320. 

Forres, Commissioners of Supply for Elgin, 
meeting at, 30 ; parish of, 48 ; Bailies 
of, 49 ; Presbytery of, consulted, 237 ; 
Cope's army at, 341. 

Forsyth, John, 278. 

Fort Augustus, 301, 365, 371. 

Fountainwell, Edinburgh, 34. 

Foxes, winter, in demand at Rotterdam, 144. 



I 



i[ 



INDEX. 



4(1 



Frasers. influence of, at an election, 217; 

of Stratlierrick, 310. See Lovat, Lord. 
Fraser, Captain, his son goes back to Bajan 

class, 6. 
Lieutenant-Colonel, younger of Inver- 

alachy, killed at Culloden, 361. 
James, Sheriff-cl-erk of Elgin and 

Forres, 81 ; his certificate, 251. 
• Major James, of Culduthel, receipt of, 

328. 

Mr., 246, 2-47. 

■ Rev. Patrick, 334. 

Thomas, of Beaufort, 310. 

William, his instructions about forage 

after Culloden, 363. 
William, merchant in Inverness, letter 

from, 188, 189. 
Free trade in fish, Magistrates of Elgin 

in 1738, will not allow, 17-4. 
French master, certificate in favour of, 12 ; 

bis terms in 1755, 13. 
French surrendered at Culloden, 361. 
Frigge, John, letter from, offering a price 

for grain, 190, 191. 
Fuijeral charges in Edinburgh in 1732, 

274 ; funeral letters, 279-283. 
Furniture of Students' rooms, King's Col- 
lege, Aberdeen, in 1755, 7 ; Dr. Thomas 

Reid suggests it should be their own, 8 ; 

inventory of household, in 1708, 205-213 

Gaddeker, Bishop, of Aberdeen, his beau- 
tiful seal, 238 ; letter from, 238-240. 

Gaelic, want of knowledge of, causes Mr. 
Duff to resign the Kirk of Creich, 232. 

Gallan, James, in Iiisharnach, 87. 

Gambo, governess can play on, 15. 

Gardiner, Robert, Commissary-Depute, order 
for forage, 364-369 ; for horses, 371. 

Gargarism for Lady Thundertoun, 21. 

Garmouth, 52. 

Gartely, Rev. Alexander Smith, intruded 
into parish of, 333. 

Gazette, Edinhurgh, for 1700-1701, 33. 

Geddes, Mr., 249. 

skipper, Burghead, 58. 

Thomas, Deacon of Square Wrights, 

Elgin, 177. 

William, fisherman, Burghead, 54. 

General of Artillery for troops joining Duk(> 
of Gordon in 1685, 311. 



Genial letters, 123-137. 

George in., his coronation, 389 ; Scotch 
Episcopalians recognise his authority after 
the death of Cardinal York, 391. 

Gibson, Robert, of liinkwood, became in- 
sane, letter from, in 1701, 281. 

Gilchrist, Rev. Messrs., 244. 

Gilzean, Alexander, 88. 

William, tenant in Ardgy, 93. 

Gimp, Countess of Moray does no; want, 125 

Ginger, green, imported, 148. 

Girds, 147. 

Girnels, 31, 354. 

Gladesmoor, how the odium of defeat was 
wiped off, 352. 

Glasgow, city of, bank notes in 1756 and 
the Edinburgh Banks, 103 ; John Sinclair 
collecting at, for Lossie Harbour, 169. 

Major, of Lord Ogilvie's, a prisoner at 

Culloden, 361. 

Glass, Alexander, 88. 

Alexander, musician, 165. 

Mrs., 127. 

Glenagies, Laird of, 269. 

Glenbucket, Laird of, in braes of Strathavin, 
after battle of Culloden, 379. 

Glengarrie's house burnt, 379. 

Glenlivat, rebels in, delivering up arms, 379. 

Glenmoristoun, Grants of, 310. 

Godsman, Rev. Alexander, Roman Catholic 
priest, was in distress after Culloden, 258. 

Goolhouse at Duflfus, its contents in 1708, 
212. 

Goose, price of, at Elgin in 1710, 32 ; at 
Inverness in 1654, 308. 

Gordon, Alexander, first Duke of, order for 
men to join his army in 1685, 310; his 
gallant defence of Edinburgh Castle, and 
fees of Commission, 314, 315. 

Alexander, second Duke of, pays defer- 
ence to Sheriff of Moray, 81 ; did not 
agree with the Duchess, 119, 120; his 
funeral, 282. 

Cosmo-George, third Duke of, 241. 

Henrietta, Duchess of, letters from, 

107-116, 241 ; did not agree with her 
husband, 119, 120. 

Jane, Duchess of, her approaching 

confinement, 132. 

Lord George, 229. 

liOrd, breaks his tliiuh, 301, 



408 



INDEX. 



Gordon, Sir Robert, of Gordonston (1st Baro- 
net), letter to, from Earl of Buchan, 42 ; 
President of Committee of Supply, Elgin, 
49 ; son-in-law to Dean of Salisbury, who 
leaves to him the care of publishing his 
works, 286 ; order to join Duke of Gordon 
in ]685, 310. 

SirLudovic, ofGordonston (2d Baronet), 

binds his son George apprentice to an 
Edinburgh merchant, 138 ; letter to, from 
Cluny M'Pherson, 292. 

Sir Eobert (3d Baronet), entertained 

by Elgin Magistrates, 159, 160 ; yearly 
pension paid to his advocate, 193 ; some 
of his cattle stolen, 293, 295. 

Sir Robert (4th Baronet), whale specu- 
lation, 57; projected marriage of. 111; 
feasts clergy, 250 ; tells a clergyman that 
he is a liar, 254 ; thrashes a woman, 
260 ; damage done to him by the rebels 
in 1746, 356-359; letter to the Lord 
Lyon after Culloden, 369. 

Sir William, of Gordonston (6th 

Baronet), letter from, 134= 

Louise or Lucy, wi"e of Sir Robert 

Gordon ofGordonston, 284, 289. 

Alexander, Bishop of Galloway, 284. 

Alexander, of Cromdell, 295. 

Alexander, of Ardoch, 298. 

Arthur, seizes horses for use of Prince 

Charles Edward, 353. 

Mr. Charlet!, 252. 

Charles, of Buthlaw, buys Thunderton 

from Archibald Dunbar in 1712, 74. 

Cosmo (younger of Cluny), 13U 

Francis, order for 1000 stone weight of 

hay, 356. 
Rev. George, of Alves, 250 ; his speech, 

during which he " sweat heartily," 252 ; 

letter about those engaged in rebellion, 376. 
George, son of the Premier Baronet of 

Scotland, becomes apprentice of R. Blaik- 

wood, merchant, Edinburgh, 138, 142. 

Rev. James, a priest, 334. 

Sir John, advocate, 315. 

John, of Auchinereath, his widow, 25. 

John and William, merchants in Camp 

hire, 148. 
Lodovic, brother of Sir R. Gordon, 

letter to, from Macdonald of Keppoch, 

295 ; answer by, 296. 



Gordon, Ludovick, merchant, Elgin, 275. 

Robert, landlord of " British Arms, 

Elgin, his bill, 40. 

Robert, brother to Sir L. Gordon, 

142. 

Mr. Thomas, W.S., 315. 

Thomas, merchant, Edinburgh, letter 

from, 186. 

Thomas, 214. 

William, master of ship "Betty," 

runs a cargo of smuggled goods into Spey- 
mouth, 67. 

Rev. Dr., Dean of Salisbury, his will, 

284-291. 
— = — Rev. Mr., of Leuchars, and Pittenweem 
witch, 270. 

Rev. Mr., Episcopalian minister, Elgin, 

his salary incompetent, 239. 

Rev. Mr., of Alloa, 250. 

— — of Blelak, wounded at Culloden, 361. 

Mr., ofHaughes, 22. 

Gordonstown, rebels at, their conduct to Sir 

Robert Gordon and his family, 357. 
Governess in 1710, qualifications and salary 

of, 15, 
Gow's, John, wife thrashed by Sir R. 

Gordon, 260. 
Gowns, night, in 1722, quantity of satin to 

make two, 108. 
Grafton, Duke of, interferes with election of 

Peers of Scotland, 228. 
Graham, Dr. James, letter from, 23. 
Graham's regiment in Majorca, 322. 
Grahame, Major, entertained by 

Council, Elgin, 159. 
Grain, price of, in 1699, 30-31 ; in 

190. 
Grangehill, Laird of, 49. 

Robert Dunbar of, 324 ; letter fiom, 

323. 
Grange, D unbars of, 71. 

Laird of, 124, 221, 222, 317. 

Grant, Alexander, in Coxtown, 87, 89. 

Sir Alexander (of Dalvey), 223. 

An., Provost of Perth in 1652, 307. 

Grant, Castle, 119,224. 

--^ — Duncan, in Green of Manbean, 87. 

Rev. Francis, of Cromdale, letter about 

rebels, 377. 

General, 226. 

Captain George, 300. 



I 



Town 



1741, 






INDEX. 



409 



Grant, Eev. Hngh, of Knockancln, letter 

about rebels, 377. 
John, caj^tain of guard for transport of 

Jean Mill, 88. 

John, merchant, Elgin, 325. 

John, wigmaker, Elgin, a jack-of-all- 

trades. 199, 
Laird of, his children made burgesses 

of Elgin, 160; at General Assembly, 

253; cited by Hugh Thaine, messenger, 

294. 

Major, at home after rebellion, 379. 

Major, votes for M'Leod, 217. 

Mr., younger of Grant, elected for 

Moray in 1741, 218. 
William, merchant, sent by magistrates 

of Perth to Lord DufiFas in 1652, for the 

deed of capitulation signed by Cromwell, 

306. 
Mrs. Jean, of Arndilly, letter from, re- 
turning thanks for the use of a stallion, 96. 
Grants of Glenmoristoun, 310. 

at Milnben, 347. 

ofUrquhart, 310. 

Greek, lessons in, 3 ; New Testament, 4. 
Greek-regent, a small compliment to be 

given to, by students entering Semie 

class, 4. 
Greens, boiled and raw, recommended by 

Dr. Graham, 24. 
Gregson, Nicholas, merchant-tailor, Lon- 
don, 192. 
Grey, Henry, magistrate of Perth in 1652, 

307. 
Greyfriars, near Elgin, 94, 95; crafts of 

Elgin permitted to repair kirk of, 176-178. 
Grieve's wages at Kilcoy in 1767, 98. 
Grilses and salmon, 52, 53 ; price of, at 

Banff in 1716, 53; exported, 55, 56; 

price of, at Inverness in 1654, 309. 
Grossett, Captain, of Price's, killed at Cul- 

loden, 351. 
" Grossie," a valuable hunting dog, 46. 
Grote, Andrew, 63. 
Guadaloupe, a place of banishment in 1759, 

103. 
Guard for conveying Jean Mill to Nairn, 87. 
Guest's, Colonel, troop, at Elgin in 1716, 

331. 
Guineas or Gineas, Macleod of, 143, 346, 

347. 



Guthrie, Eobert, Cullen, his wife very plain, 
227. 



Haddocks, price of, at Elgin in 1710, 32 ; 

at Inverness in 1654, 309. 
Haldane, Mr. Patrick, a lawyer, his fee, 252 ; 

sends proclamation of solemn fast to 

Sheriff of Elgin, 380. 
Hall, G. S., writes to Sir H. Innes, Bart., 

and to W. King, Esq., about forage for 

horses, 366. 
Ham, price of a, at Elgin in 1712, 277. 
Hamilton, Duke of, married, 6th February 

1723, 1]7. 
Duchess of, in family- way, May 1723, 

1J9. 
Lady Christian, her marriage to Sir 

James Dalrymple, 122. 
Lady Susan, courted by Lord Crich- 

toun, 119. 

Walter, 111. 

Hamilton's regiment, misconduct of, at 

battle of Falkirk, 352. 
Hair-dressing in 1753, charges for, 198. 
Hats imported in 1694 by an Elgin firm, 

149. 
Hatton Lodge, 131. 
Haughes, Mr. Gordon of, 22. 
Hawke, Admiral, pursuing Brest fleet, 104. 
Hawking a favourite sport in the North, 42. 
Hawks, training of, for falconry, 42, 43. 
Hawley, General, only person who could 

grant land-passes after Culloden, 362. 
Hay, George, town-drummer of Elgin, his 

petition, 162. 
John, waiter at funeral of minister of 

Duffus, 278. 

Lieutenant P., letter from, 63. 

of Drummelier, Mr., marriage to Lord 

Blantyre's sister, 121. 

Rev. Mr., of Crimen, 250. 

Provost, of Aberdeen, 250. 

Headache, receipt for, 22. 
Head-suits dressed in 1710 by a governess, 15. 
Hempriggs, W. Dawson of, 300. 
Hemprigs, Lady, 86. 
Henly, Cornet, at Elgin in 1716, 331. 
Henry in. iiud iv. of Franco, Dean of Salis- 
bury once Gentleman of Chamber to, 

286. 
Hens, price of, at Elgin in 1710, 32 : 



410 



TXDEX. 



in 1742, 277 ; at Inverness in 1654, 

308. 
Heralds, power of, in 1668, 74, 75. 
Herdman, Mrs., clergy feasted at her house 

by Sir Eobert Gordon, 250. 
Herring-casks for floating whales, 57. 
Herrings, price of a last, 55 ; of a barrel, 53 ; 

of red dried, at Inverness in 1654. 308 ; 

of salt, 309. 
Hen ing- fishery, overseeing of, by Sir 

Thomas Galder, 111, 112, 
Hides in 1694, price of, 147. 
Highland dress to be prohibited, Sir E. i 

Gordon's opinion, 369. 
Highlanders, obedient only to their chief- 
tains in 1685, 310; commence attack at 

battle of Falkirk, 349 ; their march from 

Edinburgh, 342, 343 ; take Carlisle, 344. 
Holster-tops and hose proper for mourning 

in 1700, 280. 
Holland, oil and spermaceti command a 

better price there than in London, 59 ; 

merchant's apprentice in Edinburgh to go 

to, 141. 
Home, Lady Jane, 126. ; 

Horse, seventeen days' keep of one, in 1700, i 

39 ; sale of, in 1705, 129. 
Horses, breeding and rearing of, part of ; 

duty of lady, 96 ; for use of Government ■ 

in 1716, 324 ; of rebels, sold for little, ' 

327 ; concealed in a cave at Covesea, 357. 
Houme, 87. 
Howstone, John, younger of Howstone, | 

151, 152. ' ' i 

Hume, skipper, arms imported in his ship, j 

329. ^ j 

Humour, piece of, said to be by Duke of ; 

Montague, 101. 
Hungary water camphored, 21. 
Huntly, Earl of; killed at Corrichie, 284. | 

Marquis of, in 1707, at sport, 45. 

Marquis of, in 1728, his letter about 

getting a house in Elgin, to entertain com- | 

pany, at funeral of Duke of Gordon, 282. 
Marchioness of, her chaplain, 333, I 

334. I 

Hypnotic for Lady Tlninderton, 21. 

Imlach, George, 88. 

"Imperial Captives," a tragedy sent by | 
Duchess of Gordon, 108. 



Impressing for the navy, 61-63. 
Incorporated Trades of Elgin in 1675-1676, 

175. 
Indigo, rock, 122 ; imported, 149. 
Inerlochty or Inverlochty, 87, 88. 
Infection, measures taken to prevent, 47. 
Inglis; Thomas, servitor to Mr. Dalrymple, 

advocate, 193 ; receipt of, 194. 
Inhibition against wife of James Dunbar of 

Inshbrok, 77. 
Innernighty, or Innernity, Laird of. 111 ; 

his daughter marries the Master of Stor- 

mont, 121. 
Innes, Laird of, 49, 317. 

Alexander and George, letter from, 45. 

Bailie, 237. 

Eev. Beroald, in Instelly, does not pray 

for King George, etc. in 1716, 333. 

George, of Dunkinty, imprisoned by 

Earl of Sutherland, 300. 

Sir Harie, of Innes, letter about shoot- 
ing, 44 ; letters about salmon-fisheries, 
52, 53 ; genial letters, 128, 130 ; bail for 
Laird of Thuuderton, in 1716, 299. 

Sir Harie (son of above), letter about 

supply of peats for Elgin in 1747, 94 ; 
opinion about demand for horses, 373. 

James, Provost of Elgin, 173. 

James, son of Dr. Innes, Elgin, 18. 

J., 131. 

Mr., cannot get a pass after Culloden, 

363. 

Dr. Eobert, physician, and bailie of 

Elgin, memorandum from, in 1705, 17 ; 
letters from, 18-20. 

• Eobert, Elgin magistrate, 161, 162. 

Eobert, merchant, Elgin, expenses for 

wine at funeral of Eobert Dunbar of New- 
town, 276 ; Lord Loudon wants him to 
cash his bills, 340. 

William, writer in Edinburgh, 193, 

194. 

Inns, Xew Black Bull, Edinburgh, 37; Black 
Bull, Glasgow, 37 ; New Inn, Aberdeen, 
37 ; George and Blue Boar, Holborn, 
London, 37 ; Turk's Head, Newcastle, 
37. 

Insharnach, 87. 

Inskeel, 333. 

Instelly, 333. 
j Inverness, 52, 56; memorial from magis- 



< 



INDEX. 



411 



trates about condition of court-house and 
jail, 89-92; escape of prisoners, 133; prices 
of provisions wlien held by troops of 
Oliver Cromwell, 307-309; Dunbar of 
Thunderton prisoner in the Castle, 303 ; 
Lord Lovat prisoner, 3-47. 

Iron not to be had at Fortrose in 1723, 187. 

Irvine, Eev. Mr., 251. 

Eev. John, a priest, 334. 

Jack, Margaret, Pittenweem witch, 264. 

WilHam, price for apprehending, 199. 

Jacobites, Andrew Fletcher on, 381 ; verses 

privately circulated by, 387. 
Jailer's fees exacted at Elgin in 1780, 203. 
" Jannet of Belfast," a ship chartered for 

Dieppe, the invoice, 56. 
Jango, a sort of drink, price of, in 1700, 38. 
Jeffrey, Francis, wigraaker, Edinburgh, 

in 1753, 198. 
Juices, a bottle of, 21. 
Julep, a hysteric cordial, one for Lady 

Thunderton, 19; a bottle of, 21. 
July flowers (jelly-flowers) sent by Duchess 

of Gordon, 108. 
Justices of Peace, meetings of, at Elgin, 49, 

68. 

EL4.ME or Keam, 333 ; young Laird of, 350, 

352. 
Kames, Lord, 133. 

Kear, Robert, Elgin town-officer, 164. 
Keith, town of, 35. 

George, writer in Edinburgh, 15. 

James, 2. 

Mr., and Miss Peggy Cunninghame's 

runaway marriage, 122. 
Kellie, Earl of, 269. 
Kelly's, Quartermaster, horse, at Elgin in 

1716, 331. 
Kemnay, 131. 
Ker, Mr., of Kippilaw, and the Pittenweem 

witch, 270. 
Kerr, Eobert Lord, of Barrell's, killed at 

Culloden, 361. 
Kessock, 188. 

Kid, price of a, at Inverness in 1654, 308. 
Khieclehik, 294. 
Kilbyoak, Laird of, 149. 
Kilcowie or Kilcoy, Lady, 97, 98. 
Kilgour, Eobert, Bishop and Primus of Epi- 



scopal Church in Scotland, submits to 
Government, 392. 
Kilmalies, kirk of, 232. 
Kilmarnock, Lord, aprisoner at Culloden, 361. 

Kilmhuiman, 500 horses sent to, 372. 

Kilmuir, Wester, 99. 

Kilravock, Laird of, 43, 55, 222. 

Kincorth, Laird of, 49. 

W. Dunbar of, his tavern account in 

January 1700, 38. 

Kinach, Eobert, 21. 

Kindeace, Little, 104. 

King, William, of Newmiln, Provost of Elgin, 
and member of a firm there, 144-152 ; 
converted Greyfriars Kirk, Elgin, into a 
mausoleum, 176. 

King, William, of Newmiln (son of above), 
Sheriff-Depute of Moray, warrant for re- 
moval of prisoner, 88 ; political letters to, 
from Brodie, 216-218; instructions from 
the Earl of Moray and the Ijord Lyon as 
to Cope's army, 338-341 ; letter from, 
about forces in Elgin in December 1745, 
346, 347 ; directs rebels to where they 
could find horses belonging to Sir E. Gor- 
don, 359 ; answer to Mr. Hall about 
forage, 367-369 ; to Deputy-Commissary 
about horses, etc., 371-374; to the Lord 
Justice-Clerk about Jacobites, 384-386, 

King, Mrs., and her infant son Alexander, 
238. 

King, Magdalen, her baptismal regeneration, 
240. 

King-Edward (now Kinnedar), parish of, 
49 ; village of, 116. 

King's College, Aberdeen, 1. 

King's House ; Thunderton House, Elgin, 
supposed to have been so called, 282. 

Kinkine (small cask) of tarmaluk fur dyeing, 
imported, 148. 

Kinneder, widow of Dean of Salisbury, buried 
there in 1643, 284; tenants of Brodie 
there, to send in provisions, 354. 

Kinsteary or Kinsterie, Laird of, 55, 360 ; 
and family, 124. 

Kirktown, Laird of, 48, 223. 

Kitchen furniture at Duffus in 1708, 211. 

Knives for flensing whales, 58. 

Knockando, young Laird of, 131 ; letter from 
minister of, about rebels, 377. 

Kyligo, for mantle to Laird (*f IMacintosh 



412 



IXDEX. 






when Member of Parliament in 1685, 
215. 
Kynnoch, George, in Inerloclitv, 87. 

Lac, tincture of, 23. 

Ladies, of rank, letters from, 105-127 ; 
young, expenses of board and education 
of, in 1709, 16. 

Laing, Beatrix, a Pittenweem witch, 262, 
264; her confession, 265. 

John, tenant in Ardgy, 93. 

Lamb, price of, at Inverness in 1654, 308. 

Langbryde, minister of, amusing certificate 
from, 99. 

Latin must be understood before students 
can enter Semie class, 3 ; students should 
be well advanced in, before entering a 
LTniversity, 9. 

Lawson, Nicolas, Pittenweem witch, 264 ; 
her confession, 266; her treatment, 272. 

Leathen, Laird of, 221. 

Leather alamed, 144. 

Lemon peel, 160. 

Lent, license granted to eat flesh in, 75. 

Leslie, Colonel, 160. 

Eev. William, minister of Langbryde, 

99, 100. 

Leuchars strong ale, 46. 

" Leusden's Collections of the New Testa- 
ment in Greek," a book written for by Dr. 
Lines of Elgin, 18. 

Levingston, Dr., of Aberdeen, 132. 

Lewis, falcons of the, 43. 

Lewis Gordon, Lord, supposed to be at 
Aberdeen early in December 1745, 345, 

License to eat flesh in Lent, 75. 

Liege, letter from a volunteer there in 1705, 
316. 

Ligonier's Dragoons, Col. Whitney of, his 
marriage to Meg Dimbar, 16; the regi- 
ment began attack at battle of Falkirk 
too soon, 352. 

Lillie, Mr. John, Hague, 319. 

Liniment, pot of, charge for, in 1719, 20. 

Linkwood, Laird of, 223 ; beef from, 345. 

Linlithgow, Earl of, in 1723, his death, 119. 

Lisbon, " Seven Brethren " charteredfor, 55. 

Lisbon -wine, price of, in 1769. 40. 

Lisle, letter from an officer there in 1708, 
317. 

LocLiel's house burnt in 1746, 379. 



Lochness, granary at, for use of Duke of 
Cumberland's army, 355. 

Logan, Eev. Ptobert, of Eafford, letter abon 
those engaged in rebellion, 376. 

Logie, Laird of, 2, 237. 

Alexander Cumming of, his wife 

funeral, 283. 

Lor.don, merchant's apprentice in Edinburgh 
to go to, 141. 

Longacre, London, 34. 

Lord Justice-Clerk in 1722, 337. 

Lord's-day to be strictly observed in 1686, 313 

Lossie, Eunns of, 43. 

Lossiemouth purchased in 1698 by town of 
Elgin, from Brodie of Brodie, 166. 

Lotion, price of, in 1719, 21. 

Loudon, Adjutant, 340. 

Lord, arrests Lord Lovat, 347 ; ex- 
pected at Elgin, 348. 

Lovat, Simon, Lord, letters about patronage 
of Kirk of Dufifus, 243-249 ; letter and ex- 
amination as to imprisonment of Dunbar 
of Thunderton, 300-304; letter in 1716 
for horses, 327 ; thanked and rewarded 
by the King for services in 1715-1716, 
328 ; brought as a prisoner to Inverness, 
341 ; to give security for the peace of 
his people, 346; his trial, 381. 

'' Ludovick and AVilliam" ofFindhorn, ship, 
145, 150. 

Lumsden, Professor, 250. 

Lyon, Lord, 124, 250, 254, 269. See Brodie. 






I 



of 



Mace, price of half an ounce of oil of, v. 

1719, 21 ; imported, 149. 
Macbain, Major, killed at Culloden, 360. 

Evan, messenger, 255. 

M'Bean, Mr. H., 246, 247. 
Macculloch, Eev. Thomas, Moderator 

Presbytery, Elgin, letter from, 335. 
Macdonald of Keppoch at Culloden, 360. 

of Clanronald at Culloden, 360. 

Coll., of Keppoch, letter from, in 1693, 

295. 
M'Edwart, John, Glenrinnes, 294. 
M'Ever, Charlie, at King's College, Aber 

deen, 6. 
Macfarlane, Andrew, Bishop of Eoss and 

Moray, submits to Government, 392. 
M'Gillivray of Drumnaglas killed at Cullo' 

den, 360. 



I 



1 



I^'DEX. 



413 



Macliattie, Peter, letter from, about blubber 
and spermaceti, 59, 60. 

Mahon, Majorca, 320. 

Mackintosli or ^Macintosh, Laird of, his Parlia- 
mentary expenses in 1681 and 1685, 21-1. 

William, Provost of Inverness, 92. 

Bailie William, at Elgin with men 

in 1745, 348- 

M'Kaj, Major Eneas, made a burgess of 
Elgin, 160. 

Mackean, John, schoolmaster, Elgin, 159. 

Mackenzie, of Suddj, skilled in hostile en- 
counters, 106. 

George and Eod., certificate to a 

grieve, 98, 99. 

Sir John, of Tarbat, his daughter 

the Countess of Seaforth, 105. 

Sir Kenneth, of Cromarty, 187. 

Kenneth, Bailie of Elgin, his account 

for spirits and wine to Town Council of 

Elgin, 159-161. 
Kenneth, surgeon-apothecary, Elgin, 

his account in 1719-1720, 20, 21 ; bailie 

in 1733, 275. 

Katharine, wife of James Dunbar of 

Inshbrok, 77, 78. 

M'Kimmie, Alexander, in Overtown, 87. 

Maclachlan, chief of the clan, his peremptory 
order for provisions to be stored at Forres, 
354 ; another order, 355 ; killed at Cul- 
loden, 360. 

Donald, serjeant, order for him to 

quarter at Sanchor, 355. 

Macleod or M'Leod, Lord, son of Earl of 

Cromarty, a prisoner, 361. 
Laird of, a candidate for the county of 

Inverness, 217 ; with his men at Elgin in 

1745, 345-347 ; passed the Spey, 348 ; 

sudden march from Forres in 1746, 350. 
young Laird of, very plain, intended 

marriage to Miss Brodie of Brodie, 

124. 
William, a carpenter in Inverness 

and brother of Macleod of Geanies, 143. 
Mackmichan, John, master of ship " Janet 

of Belfast," 56. 
M'Pherson, D., of Cluny, letter from, in 

1676, about cattle-lifting, 292. 
Macqueen, Donald, clerk, 304. 
Magazines for year 1746, difficulty of for- 
warding, 378, 379. 



Magistrands, students of fourth year, 1 ; 

Professor Eeid's class in 1755, 5. 
Mail, mistake in sending, 34, 
Majorca in 1742, 321. 
Manbean, Green of, 187. 
Manicords, governess can play on, 15. 
Mantle worn at opening, etc., of Parliament, 

215. 
March of troops joining Duke of Gordon 

in 1685, rules for, 312. 
Maraken shoes, price of, 197. 
Margaret, Princess, daughter of King 

Robert the Bruce, married fourth Earl of 

Sutherland, 138. 
Marischal College, Aberdeen, Dr. T. Reid 

educated at, 4. 
Marlborough, Duchess of, refuses sight of 

the Duke's pall to Duchess of Bucking- 
ham, 278. 
Marnoch, John, skipper, Findhorn, 55. 
Marriage-dress, magnificent ones desci'ibed 

in 1725, 122. 
Marrow-tarts at funeral, 277. 
Marseilles, quarantine at, 322. 
Marshal, the, of Elgin, flogs a woman, 

162. 
Martinique, a place of banishment in 1759, 

103. 
Master of Arts, Professor Blak makes a 

student, 4. 
Masticatory balls (pills), price of, in 1720, 21. 
Mastich, 22. 
Mathews, Admiral, burns five Spanish 

galleys, 321. 
Matricalis, Bynlis, spirit of, 23. 
Matrimonial alliance projected in 1676, 

correspondence regarding, 179-182. 
Maxwell, Earl of, not pardoned after Mon- 
mouth's Rebellion, 313. 
Medical practice in former days, 17-29. 
Meeting-houses of non-jurors to be put down, 

382. 
Menzies, Colin, 21. 

Mr. Michael, 252. 

Merchant-Company, Edinburgh, and poor's- 

rates in 1749, 103. 
Merchants, wholesale, 144-152. 
Merchants' letters, 185-191. 
Mercury, Caledonian, referred to in Novem- 
ber 1745, 343, 344; sent to Daffns in 

1749, 101. 



414 



INDEX. 






Merrytoun, Boath, place wbere Cope's army 
encamped, 338. 

" Mess John," episcopaliaii clerg-yman, 128. 

Milk, price of, at Elgin in 1710, 32 ; at In- 
verness in 1654, 308. 

Militia, Elgin, men pressed for, 164. 

Mill, Jean, accused of cliild-murder, es- 
corted from Elgin to Inverness, 87-89. 

Miller, Thomas, sues for an assault, 81. 

Mills, rights of, in olden times, 94, 95. 

Miln, Eev. Mr., 253. 

Milnhen, Grants at, 347. 

Milntoune, Laird of, 16, 317. 

Milton Brodie, formerly Windyhills, 324. 

Miltown, 87, 88. 

Minister wanted for Elgin, 335, 336. 

Ministers in 1723 preaching against Edin- 
burgh dancing assemblies, 118. 

Mixture, stomacbic, its price in 1719, 21 ; 
morning, 21. 

Moncrief, Mr., 161. 

Monmouth Eebellion, episode in, 310 ; gene- 
ral pardon after, 313. 

Montague, Duke of, trick devised by, 101 ; 
crowd angry at, 102. 

Montgomery, Lady Mary, 117. 

Moray, youth of, frequented King's College, 
Aberdeen, 1 ; office of Heritable Sheriff" 
of, 80-86; Brae of, 292. 

Alexander, fourth Earl of, letter in 

1668 about Lairds of Grange and Burgie, 
72 ; to be Commissioner in 1686, 314. 

Charles, fifth Earl of, 116-120. 

Francis, sixth Earl of, 117. 

James, seventh Earl of, letters from, 

political, 218-223 ; on death of his brother, 
224 ; to Sheriff" of Elgin to supply horses 
to Cope's army, 337. 

Countess of, in 1683, her funeral, 279. 

Countess of, in 1725, bad health of, 120, 

121. 

Margaret, Countess of, wife of James 

seventh Earl, letter from, 125. 

Mordaine's, Lord, regiment, 316. 

Morison, Peter, Fochabers, 294. 

Mortoun, Patrick, Pittenweem, under in- 
fluence of witchcraft, 261-268. 

Mostowie, 87. 

Mourning clothes borrowed, 281. 

Moydart, men at, unwilling to submit to 
Government, 379. 



Muir, Sir Archibald, of Thornton, 151, 152. 
Muirfowl and partridges, price of, at Elgin 

in 1710, 32. 
Muirsone, John, clerk to the crafts of Elgin, 

178. 
Muirtown, Laird of, 55. 
Lady, July flowers sent to by Duchess 

of Gordon, 108 ; loses a child, 110. 
Mulben, 368. 
Mulderie, 368. 
Mullen's, Captain, troop, at Elgin in 1716, 

331. 
Multures paid at mills, 95. 
Mumbire, a kind of drink, 160. 
Munro, clerk, 237. 
Munto (Minto), Lord, waited on by Lord 

Lovat, 301. 
Murdoch, Alexander, in Achtirtyre, 87 ; 

fined, 89. 

Thomas, in Westhill, 87. 

William, in Crossley, 87. 

Murray, county. Sheriff of, 48, 49. See 

Moray. 
Eev. Alexander, 258 ; letter on Sir 

Eobert Gordon's health, 260. 

Mr. Archibald, 252. 

Musical accomplishments of a governess in 

1710, 15. 
treat given by Elgin Magistrates, 

165. 
Muslin, Holland, 53 ; imported, 149. 
Mutchkin stoups from London, 188. 
Mutton, price of, at Elgin in 1710, 32 ; in 

1742, 276 ; at Inverness in 1654, 308. 
Myrland, Laird of, 50. 
Myrrh used for teeth and gums, 23. 

Nairn, county. Sheriff of, 216. 

Mrs., account for baking and cooking, 

277. 
Naizon's dragoons, G. Cumming of Altyre, 

a lieutenant in, taken prisoner, 348. 
Napkin, silk, price of, in 1710, 194. 
Naughty, Andrew, tenant, Burnsyde,833. 
— — William, Bin'ghead, 58. 
Naughtie, John, miller at Oldmilns, 95. 
Needles, a hundred thousand imported by 

an Elgin firm in 1694, 149. 
Neilson, James, 63. 

Ness, bridge over, commenced in 1681, 319. 
Newcastle, Duke of, Secretary of State, 381. 



IXDEX. 



415 



Xewhall, Laily, a patroness of the assemblies 

at Edinburgh in 1723, 118. 
Xewmiln, Lady, sends candle-wicks, 345. 
Xews in 1749, 1756, 1759, and 1760, sent 

from Edinburgh to a gentleman in Moray, 

101-104. 
Newton or Newtown, R. Dunbar of, 38, 43. 
Nicholson, Alexander, at Dyke, receipt for 

a quarter's college-fee for two young ladies 

in 1709, 16. 
Nisbet, John, 315. 
Nonjurors, Episcopal clergy and laity who 

would not take oaths to Government, 381. 
North College, Elgin, became the chief seat 

of the Dunbars of Bnrgie, 71. 
Novels, sent by Duchess of Gordon, 113, 114. 
Nuckell, .James, Elgin town-officer, 164. 
Nuid, M'Pherson, laird of, 292. 
Nuptials of A. Dunbar and Rebecca Adam- 
son, Epithalamium on, 200, 201. 
Nursery furniture at Duffus in 1708, 209. 
Nutmegs imported, 149. 

Oak planks, price of, in 1712, 195. 

Oatmeal, price of, for Elgin in 1699, 31. 

Oats, price of, for Elgin in 1699, 30. 

Qilconomy servants, King's College, Aber- 
deen, 8. 

Ogilvie, Bailie, 160. 

George, advocate, 132, 133. 

George, in Houme, 87. 

Oil, from whale blubber, 59 ; holy, at coro- 
nation of George in., 390. 

Oldmilns, to w'hich Elgin was " thirled," 
94. 

Olibanum, 22. 

Orabrdd mather imported, 148. 

Oppressive measure of rebels in 1746, 353. 

Orange peel, 161. 

Orton, Dumbreaks of, 143. 

Oseburne, Mr. James, 237. 

Overtown, 87. 

Oxycroceon, price of two ounces, 21. 

Panmure, Earl of. Miss Stuart in mourning 
for, 119; his age and cause of death, 119. 

■ Countess of, a patroness of the assem- 
blies at Edinburgh in 1723, 118. 

Pann brass imported, 148. 

Pan ton, Master, musical treat given to, by 
Elgin magistrates, 165. 



Paper, writing, price of a quire in 1712, 195. 

Pardon, conditions of, after Monmouth's Re- 
bellion, 313. 

Parish ministers to give in lists of such as 
were not engaged in rebellion, 375 ; some 
of their answers, 375-377. 

Parliament of 1721, representative for Elgin, 
summons to, 80. 

Parliamentary, Laird of Mackintosh's ex- 
penses in 1681 and 1685, 214, 215. 

Commission for visiting Universities, 

and the practice in 1708 of all the Col- 
leges, 3 

Parquett, Sergeant, a dragoon, 331. 

Partridges, price of, at Elgin in 1710, 32. 

Paterson, Margaret, mother of James Robert- 
son, 182. 

William, was at Culloden, 259. 

Patersone, John, Bishop of Ross, 176. 

Patronage, right of, to Kirk of Duffus, 241 ; 
curious case in 1748, 256, 257. 

Pease, price of, for Elgin in 1699, 30. 

Pease-stack used by rebels, 356. 

Peats, horses of Sir Harie Innes at hill 
for, 53 ; burned on shore at Burghead 
during whale-blubber getting, 58; supply 
of, by tenants of farms, 93 ; distress at 
Elgin in 1747 for want of, 94 ; price of, 
in 1742, 277. 

Peddie, Leonard, Deacon of the Shoemakers, 
Elgin, 177. 

Pellem bridle, its price in 1731, 198. 

Pepper, black, imported, 149. 

Perth, invested by Oliver Cromwell in 1651, 
305; demands made on, in 1652, by the 
English, 366. 

Peterborough, Earl of, his daughter the 
Duchess of Gordon, 107. 

Petaw, Dame Geneviev, widow of Dean of 
Sahsbury, 284, 289. 

Petrie, Alexander, 73. 

Petry, Alexander, feuar, Starwood, 333, 

Petticoat, crimson velvet smoke, 122 ; from 
London, 183. 

Philp, Alexander, writes for men and arms 
to keep boats, of ships under quarantine, 
from landing at Burghead, 50. 

Phlebotomy, charge for, in 1719, 20, 21. 

Pigeons at Gordonsto\vn destroyed by the 
rebels, 357. 

Piliegrcst imported, 148. 



416 



IXDEX. 






Pills, gilded, to be taken witli ale, 20; 

charge for a box of, in 1720, 21, 
Pint stoups from London, 183. 
Pipes imported, 149. 

Pirrie, Thomas, writer in Edinburgh, 141. 
Pitcalnie, Eoss of, letter from his widow, 76. 
Pitcullo, Sir William Balfour of, 279. 
Pitfom-, Lord, 133. 

Laird of, lines on, 229. 

Pittgaveny, Graystone of, a place of rendez- 
vous, 45 ; Laird of, 223. 
Pittendreich, Col. Stuart of, 218, 219, 223; 

his death, 224. 
Pitteuweem, Magistrates and Minister of, 
disgraceful treatment by, of so-called 
witches in 1704 1705, 261-273. 
Pitriken, Alexander, 88. 
Pitsligo, Lord, Sir E. Gordon's opinion of 

his conduct in the rebellion, 370. 
Plaid, Highland, wanted by a volunteer at 

Liege in 1705, its pi'ice, 316. 
Plaids, three pair of white ones, sent from 

Inverness in 1678 to be sold, 183. 
Plaidings, Aberdeen and Elgin, exported 

in 1692, 144. 
Plaster, charge for a, in 1719, 20 ; a stomachic 

one, 21. 
Plumb-cakes sent from Elgin, 19; why sent, 

17. 
Pluscardine, Oldmilns belonged to prior of, 

194. 
Podesoy, blue, part of marriage dress, 122. 
Poetic effusions and begging-letters, 200- 

204. 
Polwarte, Captain, 161. 
Poor's-rates, hubbub about, in Edinburgh 

in 1749, 103. 
Pork, price of, at Inverness in 1654, 308. 
Port, price of, in 1769, 40. 
Porter, price of, in 1769, 40. 
Portmahon, Majorca, 320. 
Post at Aberdeen in 1723, dilatoriness of, 119. 
Postage to and from Bordeaux and Drontone 

in 1676, 144. 
Postal arrangements in former days, 33, 34. 
Postmaster-General's obligation to send Fly- 
ing Post and Edinhurgh Gazette in 1700, 
33. 
Pott, a celebrated pool in the Spey, 52, 53. 
Poultry, price of, at Inverness in 1654, 308 ; 
wanted after battle of Culloden, 363. 



Powder, gun, imported, 148. 

Powders, morning, price of thirty in 1719, 

21. 
Precognition in case of smuggling, 67 ; 

Lord President Forbes on, 68- 
Presbyterian, dominie not approved of by 
Bishop of Moray, 12 ; minister of Elgin 
an enemy to holidays, 128. 
Presbytery of Elgin, their complaint in 
1716 of encroachment on their parishes 
by Episcopal preachers, 331-335. 
President, Lord, his son, 348. 
Pretender, rising in favour of, expected in 
1722, 336. 

Price's regiment at Culloden, 361. 

Primrose, Viscount, 269. 

Prince Charles-Edward and his army re- 
ported to be near Inverness, 349. 

" Princess of Cleaves," a novel recommended 
by Duchess of Gordon, 114. 

Printers, poverty of, in Scotland in 1695, 
184. 

Printing a book in London, Sev. Eobert 
Dunbar writes about, 184. 

Prisoner, transport of, from Elgin to Xairn, 
87 ; G. Camming of Altyre taken by rebels 
at battle of Falkirk, 350-353. 

Proclamation at market-crosses of Elgin and 
Forres, about an extravagant wife, 77-79. 

Professors' and masters' fees, King's College, 
Aberdeen, 8. 

" Prophet Jonas," a ship, in which twenty- 
nine tuns of claret, etc., were imported by 
an Elgin firm in 1695, 151. 

Prot, John, fisherman, Burghead, 54. 

Prott, Alexander, his boat, 188. 

Protections for fishermen against impress- 
ment, 62. 

Protestants, Gordon ducal family become, 
107. 

Provisions, prices of, in Morayshire in for- 
mer days, 30-32 ; in Inverness during 
occupation by Cromwell's troops, 307-309 ; 
to be stored at Forres, March 1746, 
354. 

Prunes, imported, 148. 

Psaltery, 137. 

Psaltero-vioHn, a musical instrument, 137. 

Punch, price of, in 1769, 40. 

Purse, John, Deacon of the Weavers, Elgin, 
177. 



INDEX. 



417 



Quarantine, in former days, 47-51 ; at 
Marseilles in 1742, 3-22. 

Quartermaster-General for troops joining- 
Duke of Gordon in 1685, 311. 

Quebec, reduction of, in 1759, 104. 

Eaffert or Eafford, parish of, 48 ; letter 

about rebels, 376. 
Eaick, a celebrated pool in the Spey, 52, 53. 
Eaisins, imported, 148 ; and almonds, price 

of, 160. 
Eanderston, Laird of, 269. 
Eanes, Huntly, letter of a governess from, 15. 
Eaphane, church of, Mr. Eobertson prays 

for the Pretender in, 334. 
Eatterie, Mrs., 126. 
" Eead and Burn," letter so signed by 

Lieut. George Gumming of Altyre, giving 

account of his being made prisoner at 

battle of Falkirk in 1746, 350. 
Eeay or Eae, Lord, sends a letter with two 

prescriptions in 1727, 22 ; at Inverness 

in 1715, 300. 
Eebellion of 1715-1716, 323-335. 

of 1745-1748, 336-388. 

Eeceipts and accounts, 192-199. 
Eecruiting in Scotland for Low Countries, 

317. 
Eed wine, smuggling of, 65. 
Eeid, Dr. Thomas, Professor of Moral 

Philosophy, King's College, Aberdeen, 4 ; 

letter from, 5. 

Eev. Mr., a priest, 334. 

Eeid's, Capt., troop at Elgin in 1716, 331. 
Eent of room in King's College, Aber- 
deen, in 1755, 7. 
Eevell, The Iron, part of address on a letter, 

33. 
Ehiud, William, merchant in Elgin, 145. 
Rice imported, 149. 
Eiding cloathes for ladies, fashion of, in 

1763, 126. 
Ein, James, tenant, Kame, 333. 

John, tenant, Inskeel, 333. 

William, tenant, Eosyle, 333. 

Eindes, mouth of the, a place of rendezvous, 

45. 
Eininner, depredations of rebels at, 353. 
Eoasting and broiling meat recommended by 

Dr. Graham, 24. 
Eobb, John, 88. 



Eobertson, Eev. Alex., prays for the Pre- 
tender in churches of Fochabers and 

Eaphane, 334. 
James, seeking Lilias in marriage, ques- 
tions and answers as to his means and 

character, 179, 182. 
James, groom to Sir E. Gordon, receipt 

for horses taken by rebels from his master, 

353. 
Eobertson, J. and Co., Edinburgh, innkeepers 

and coach proprietors, rate of travelling 

in 1789, 37. 
Bailie Thomas, of Inverness, cousin 

to Lord Lovat, 246, 300. 
Wm., master of the grammar-school, 

Elgin, compelled by the Presbytery to 

resign, 171. 
Eogues, or able-bodied vagrants, wanted as 

recruits, 317. 
Eose, Eev. Mr., of Nairn, 244. 
William, Treasurer and Dean of Guild, 

Elgin, 161, 162, 164, 165. 
Eoses, the family visits Forres, 124. 
Eose-water, distilled, 23. 
Eoshach or Eosehaugh, Laird of, buying 

fish, 54 ; attends a meeting-house, 333. 
Eoss, Bishop of, John Patersone, 176-178. 

Master of, in 1745, 348. 

Alexr., W.S., 298. 

Naomi, widow of Eoss of Pitcalnie, 

76. 
Pa., magistrate of Perth in 1652, 

307. 
William, of Little Kindeace, killed in 

1688 by Lord Duffus, 105, 106. 
Wm., burgess and drummer in Inver- 
ness, his memorandum in 1687, 182, 

183. 
Eosyle, 333. 
Eothes, 6th Earl of, Chancellor of Scotland, 

order for apprehension of E. Dunbar of 

Burgie and A. Petrie, 73. 
7th Earl of, returns south, 109 ; 

Sheriff of Fife, 268. 
8th Earl of, i-eported marriage to Lady 

Isabella Scott, 117. 
Eotterdam, traflic between it and Findhoru 

in 1685, 145 ; commission to merchants 

at, 148 ; bill of lading printed at, 150. 
Eoxburgh, Duke of, direct male descendant 

of Sir Harie Innes, 128. 



2d 



418 



INDEX. 



Eoy, John, in Braes of Strathavin, after 

battle of CuUoden, 379. 
Kussell, Jo., Elgin magistrate, 162, 163. 

Sabin, General, 109. 

Sack-possets, price of two, 39. 

Sack wine, imported, 149 ; price of, 160. 

Saddler's account in 1731, 197. 

Salaiy of Episcopalian clergyman at Elgin in 

1728 was incompetent, 239. 
Salisbury, Dean of, in 1618, bis will, 28-4- 

291. 
Salmon, 144 ; price of, at Inverness in 1654, 

309 ; and grilse, great take of, 52 ; relative 

prices in 1708, 55 ; in 1717, 56. 
Salt, 36 ; horses to carry to Badenocb, 49 ; 

for curing fish, 52 ; price of peck in 

1713, 55 ; excise on, 151 ; Spanish, 

187. 
Salvonsvall, Richard, 192. 
Sanchor, house of, to be quartered on, 355. 
Sarum, Close of, house of Dean of Salisbury 

in, 289. 
Satin, flowered painted, sent by Dachess of 

Gordon, 107. 
Scarcity of grain at Elgin in 1783, 174. 
Scots -Tarves, Laird of, 269. 
Scott, Lady Isabella, her dower in 1723, 

117. 
Scurvy grass, spirit of, 23. 
Seafield, Countess of, bill on, in 1705, 18. 
Seaforth, Kenneth, 4th Earl of, sends Laird 

of Brodie two hawks from the Lewis, 43 ; 

at London in 1688, 106. 
Isobel, Countess of, widow of 3d Earl, 

her letter to Lord Duffus, 105. 
Seal of Bishop Gadderer, device on, 238. 
Semies, students of second year, 1-3; how 

they may enter the University at once, 4. 
Serge, dyeing of red, 196. 
Servants' wages in 1760, 97. 
" Seven Brethren," a ship chartered at Find- 

horn for Lisbon, the invoice, etc., 55. 
Shaw, Sir John, of Greenock, 151, 152. 
Rev. Lauchlan, the historian of Moray, 

letters from, 9, 378, 379 ; certificate from, 

251 ; his mavis killed, and his windows 

broken, 385. 

Professor, 10. 

Sheepherd, Mr. Edmund, druggist, 17. 
Sheriff of Elgin, instructions for, 838. 



Sheriff of Moray, office of, heritable, 80- 
86. 

Sheriff's House ; Thunderton House, Elgin, 
so called in 1601, 282. 

Sheriffmuir, battle of, allusion to, 157. 

Sherry, price of, at Elgin in 1742, 277. 

Shipping, charges for, in 1 708, 56. 

Shoemaker's account in 1717-1718, 197. 

Siddy or Suddy, Mackenzie of, skilled in 
hostile encounters, 106. 

Signal to be made by a smuggler, 64. 

Sim, James, 88. 

or Syme, Rev. William, of Mortlach, 

244, 245, 253. 

Simpson, Captain, killed at Culloden, 361. 

Mr., was at Culloden, 259. 

Sinclair, Mr., at Forres church, 123. 

John, collects money for Lossie har- 
bour, 166. 

Skeen, John, 88. 

Skene, Laird of, M.P. for Aberdeen in 1786, 
lines on election of, 229-231. 

Skeoch, Gavin, his letter to Sir A. Dunbar 
to get him out of Elgin tolbooth, 203-204. 

Skinner, John, Bishop of Aberdeen, submits 
to Government, 392. 

Skirdastan, 49. 

Slye, Mrs., gossip about her being married 
to Laird of Brodie, 111. 

Smith, Alexander, Postmaster-General, obli- 
gation in 1700 to send Flying Post and 
Edinburgh Gazette, 33. 

Rev. Alexander, did not pray for King 

George, etc., 333. 

Walter, Deacon of Hammermen, Elgin, 

177. 

William, letter from, about his violin, 

136. 

Smookes, 45. 

Smuggling in former days, 64-70. 

Snuff, Lady Thunderton to take, 19 ; pur- 
pose of, 17. 

Soap, importation of, 148; price of, in 1712, 
195. 

Solebay man-of-war in 1759, 104. 

Soldiers in Elgin, very riotous, 164. 

Speck, or blubber of whale, 57. 

Spence, Robert, Elgin town-officer, 164. 

Spens, Alexander, his letter about a borrowed 
suit of black clothes, 281. 

Spermaceti, 58 ; sent to London, 59. 



INDEX. 



419 



Spey, water-mouth of, 49 ; harbour of, 67 ; 

a ferry at, called Boat of Bog, 341. 
Speymouth, "Elizabeth" tender at, and 

why, 61. 
Spinle moore, a hunting-ground near Alves, 

44. 
" Spottie Boug," a dog, his price, 46. 
Spynie, Laird of, 48, 257, 360 ; parish of, 
49 ; Loch of, 44, 45 ; attempt to prevent 
drainage of, 134. 
Squair, Eev. Mr., 251 ; speech in Assembly, 

252. 
" Squire Bumper," name applied to John 

Forbes of Culloden, 129. 
St. Abastins, ship from, 151. 
St. Andrews, University of, Greek more 

studied than Latin, 10. 
St. Andrew Street, London, 34. 
St. Phillips, the only fortification in Majorca 

in 1742, 321. 
Starwood, 333. 

Stays, stitched, price of, in 1719, 196. 
Steel imported, 148. 
Stelline, deals and nails for, 56. 
Stephen, James, Bailie of Elgin, 173. 
Stewart, Bailie, 39. 

of Blairhall, marries Lady Anne Stuart, 

117. 

James, Elgin Magistrate, 161, 165. 

Captain James, Commissary, order to, 

from Colonel M'Lachlan, 354. 
Eev. John, at Duffus, accused of pray- 
ing for rebels, 332. 

Provost, 250. 

Stockings sent on venture, 187. 
Stodhart, William, was at Culloden, 259. 
Stone-weight, various numbers of pounds 

assigned to, 29. 
Stormont, Master of, and daughter of Laird 

of Innernity, to be married, 121. 
Stotfield, complaint against fishermen of, 

173. 
Stowel, Mrs. Mary, her direction in London 

in 1704, 34. 
Strachan, John, Bishop of Brechin, submits 

to Government, 392. 
Strachane, Joseph, his letter on the corona- 
tion of George in., 389, 399. 
Strathallan, Lord, killed at Culloden, 360. 
Strathavin, rebels in, delivering up arms, 
379. 



Strathbogie, Lord Lewis Gordon's men at, 

345. 
Stratherrick, country belonging to Lord 
Lovat, 301 ; Erasers of, 310. 

Strathmore, Countess of, her death, 119. 

Strathnaver, John, Lord, order for troops to 
joiu Duke of Gordon in 1685, 310. 

Lord, minor title of Earl of Sutherland, 

297. 

Straw for use of Cope's army, 339. 

Stronoch, Wat., a fisherman, in one forenoon 
catches eighteen hundred salmon and 
grilses, 52. 

Stuart, of Ardshiel, at Culloden, 360. 

Commissary, lines from, to Commis- 
sary Paterson in 1688, 233. 

Dr., factor to Duke of Gordon, 241. 

Hon. Colonel, of Pittendreich, defeated 

at election in 1741, 218 ; again proposed, 
218-224; his death, 224. 

John, secretary to Earl of Moray in 

1745, 341. 

Major, of Perth's, a prisoner at Culloden, 

361. 

four Anne Stuarts married, 121. 

Lady Anne, marries Stewart of Blair- 
hall, 117. 

Miss Anne, niece of Charles, fifth 

Earl of Moray, letters from, 116-122. 

Mrs., of Camila, talked of as the bride 

of Laird of Brodie, 111. 

Students at King's College, Aberdeen, their 
behaviour narrowly looked to, 6. 

Styrse-Calamit, 22. 

Suddie, parish of, 99. 

Sugar, price of, in 1700, 38; Mellis, im- 
ported, 148 ; fine and coarse, in loaves, 187, 
188 ; price of, in 1709, 194 ; in 1742, 277. 

Surnames of the Lairds and Ladies whose 
territorial designations are given in this 
work. 8ee Appendix, 393-395. 

" Susana of Burlington," a ship, the cargo 
and charges, 59. 

Sutor, Alexander, 63. 

Sutherland, John Earl of, his influence and 
power, 297-304; Lord-Lieutenant of six 
northern counties, 324 ; Avrites from Holy- 
rood House, to Sheriff of Moray, about 
likelihood of rebellion in 1722, 336, 337. 

Earl of, in 1733, expenses for torches 

at his grandfather's funeral, 275. 



420 



INDEX. 



Sutherland, William, Earl of, married Prin- 
cess Margaret, 138. 

George, of the Royal Coffee-house, 

Edinburgh, 280. 

Mr. James, advocate, second son of 

James Lord Duffus, pays his sister's 
dancing-master, 14, 

Jack, 124. 

John, an Edinburgh agent, letters from, 

101-104; writes from Edinburgh in No- 
vember 1745, after Highlanders had 
marched towards England, 342. 

Thomas, feuar in Kame, 333. 

Will., letter from, in 1707, 45, 

William, merchant, Elgin, extract of 

letter in 1710, 64; drinking-song and 
humorous degree, 153-158. 

WilHam, of Roshach, 333. 

Mr., younger of Keam, 350. 

Anne, innkeeper in Burghead, 58. 

Mrs. Elizabeth, daughter of Lord 

Duifus, her dancing account in 1704, 14. 

Swan's skin, 44, 45, 199. 

Sweden, King of, picture-frame sent by 

Duchess of Gordon, 115. 
Swine for Lord Reay, 22. 
Sword presented by Queen of Hungary to 

Duke of Cumberland, reward offered for 

restoration of, 102. 

Tailors, discharge of, in 1662, 192 ; woi'ked 

for ladies in 1719-1720, 126. 
Tallow, 144 ; price of, in 1694, 147 ; sent to 

Zealand, 150. 
" Tarn," (probably) Miss Grant of Arndilly, 

97. 
Tanachi or Tannachy, Laird of, 49 ; and 

family, 124. 
Tarbet, Laird of, his land in Alves, 48. 
Tarbot, Master of, troops under, for 'Duke of 

Gordon in 1685, 310. 
Tavern bill in 1699-1700, 33; at British 

Arms, Elgin, in 1769, 40. 
Tea, imperial and green, sent by Duchess 

of Gordon, 108 ; four pounds sent to 

Lady Tlmnderton, 122 ; price of, in 1710, 

194. 
Teeth and gums, receipt for, used by Lord 

Reay, 23. 
Teinds of Elgin, 237. 
Tenducci, refeiTed to, 132. 



Tenpence, price of a letter from Nairnshire 
to London in 1768, 131. 

Terfle falcon, sent to a friend, 43. 

Tertians, students of third year, 1. 

Territorial designations of persons. See, 
Appendix, 392-395. 

Thaine, Hugh, messenger, meets with hard 
usage in Strathspey, 293. 

Theatre of Edinburgh in 1749, scene in, 103. 

Thirled to mills, 94, 95. 

Thorn, Gilbert, skipper, Findhorn, 55. 

Thompson, Mr. 248. 

Thomson, Rev. Mr., called to Elgin, 237. 

Thores, David, 214. 

Thundertoun, also Thunderton or Thunder- 
town, Laird of, 55; Archibald Dunbar, 
still called of, though he had sold the 
estate to C. Gordon, 74 ; incarcerated by 
the Earl of Sutherland in the Tolbooth of 
Elgin and the Castle of Inverness, 299 ; 
threatened to be carried in irons on board 
the king's yacht to London, 302. 

Thundertoun, Lady, wants a governess 
in 1710, letter from one, 15; pleased to 
hear a sermon after securing her peats 
and harvest, 115; requested to assist at 
funeral of Duke of Gordon, 282. 

Thunderton House, Elgin, its history, 282. 

Thurot, sailing of, 104. 

Tippets, new-fashioned, sent by Duchess of 
Gordon, 115. 

Tobacco imported, 149. 

Tod, Mr., schoolmaster at Elgin, 2. 

Tolmie, William, merchant at Fortrose in 
1723, letter from, 187, 188. 

Tongues exported, 147, 150 ; price of, in 
1742, 277. 

Toothache, receipt for, 22. 

Torcastell, L. Mackintosh of, 215. 

Torches used at funerals of nobility and 
gentry, 275. 

Trade, export and import, of North of Scot- 
land, in former days, 144. 

Tradesmen, incorporated, of Elgin, 175-178. 

Tragedies sent to a young lady in 1722 by 
Duchess of Gordon, 108. 

Travelling in former days, 35-37. 

Treble, governess can play on, 15, 

Trick upon sight-seers, a man in a chopin- 
bottle, 101. 

Trotter, T.. 142. 



INDEX. 



421 



Tullibardine, Marquis of, his regiment of foot 
with Marlborough, 316. 

taken at Dunbarton, 365. 

Turkeys, price of, at Elgin in 1742, 277. 
Turnbull, Thomas, Fochabers, 193. 

Mr., 237. 

Twine imported from Holland, 53. 

Tyack, T7ie, a small stream near Elgin, 162. 

Umbiie ; Sir Harie Innes, though a Pres- 
byterian, could play it on Yule-day, 128. 
Urquhait, Grants of, 310. 

James, 168. 

Robert, of Burdsyards, 251. 

Veal, price of, at Inverness in 1654, 308. 
Villa Francia, a pass in Majorca, 321. 
Viol, governess can play on, 15. 
Violin, praises of one offered for sale, 136. 
Virginelles, governess can play on, 15. 
Vomitory, charge for, in 1719, 20. 

Wade, General, rebels trying to evade, 343. 
Wagens, Mathijs, his widow, dwelling near 

the fishmarket at Rotterdam, sells printed 

bills of lading, 150. 
"Wager about sport, 44. 
Waiters at funerals, 278. 
Walker, Dr. James, of Elgin, letters and 

notes in 1778, 1779, 1780, and 1782, to 

Sir Alexander Dunbar, 25-29. 
Wales, Mr., sells his violin, 136. 
Wallace, Margaret, Pittenweem witch, 264. 
Ware, and ware horse, 97. 
Water-drinking recommended by Dr. 

Graham, 23. 
Watson, John, tenant in Ardgy, 93. 

Thomas, 251, 252. 

Watsone, Gavin, Deacon of Glovers, Elgin, 

177. 
Watt, skipper of a smuggling ship, what 

signal he is to make, 64. 
Weighhouse, Edinburgh, its west side de- 
molished in 1745, 344. 
Wemyss, Earl of, his daughter the Countess 

of Moray, 125. 
Westfield, tenants of, to send in pi'ovisions, 

354. 
Westhill, 87. 
Westminster Abbey, coronation of George 

the Third in, 389. 



Westminster Hall, Lord Lovat's trial in, 
381. 

Whales stranded in November 1729, on sands 
of Burghead, 57 ; loss on outlay, 60. 

Wheat, price of, for Elgin in 1699, 30. 

Whig tutor not approved of by Bishop 
Falconar, 12. 

Whipping John Young's wife, in 1693, 162. 

Whiteacres, St. Andrew Street, London, 34. 

Whitings, price of, at Elgin in 1710, 32. 

Whitney, Lieut.-Colonel of Ligonier's dra- 
goons, married Meg Dunbar, and was 
killed at battle of Falkirk, 16. 

Whytte, William, his poetic effusion on 
a marriage in 1703, 200, 201. 

Wife, an extravagant and undutiful, 77-79 ; 
minister will marry one, a friend or rela- 
tion of patron, to get church, 256. 

V/igmakers' charges in 1753, 198 ; for oil 
and for shaving in 1743, 199. 

Wightman, Major-General Joseph, his order 
about rebels' horses and arms hidden in 
Elgin, 328. 

Wigton, Countess of, in family-way, 119. 

Will of the Dean of Salisbury in 1618, 284- 
291. 

William iii, and Mary proclaimed at Elgin, 
159. 

Willow-green, cockades of, an expression for 
" setting. caps at," 119. 

Wilson, George, sen. and jun., Bailies of 
Elgin, 173. 

Winchester, Alexander, Deacon of Tailors, 
Elgin, 177. 

Rev. Mr., 251, 254. 

Windiehills, John Brodie of, 318, 324. 

Wine, spirits of, camphored, 21 ; price of, 
in 1700, 38 ; in 1769, 40 ; and brandy, 
smuggled, 64, 65 ; Rhenish, imported, 
149; French, 149; twenty-nine tuns im- 
ported by an Elgin firm in 1695, 151; 
claret and white, sent from Fortrose, 187 ; 
claret and sherry, price in 1742, 276. 

Wiseman or Wyseman, James, Justice of 
Peace Clerk, Elgin, 39, 50 ; Commissary 
Clerk, 46 ; fond of drink, 67 ; letter of, 
showing the power of John Earl of Suther- 
land, 298-300; Collector of Land-tax in 
1716, 327. 

Witches in Scotland : Pittcnweeni case, 
261-273. 



422 



INDEX. 



Wood's Kegiment, Lieutenant Dunbar of, 

a prisoner of war, 318. 
Woodhead, Laird of, 49. 

Yellow clothes worn by Lord Binny at 

marriage, 122. 
York, Cardinal, lastlieir-male of Stuarts, 390. 
Young, Captain, bis Company in TuUibar- 

dine's Regiment, a volunteer promoted to 

be Ensign in, 316. 



Young, Alexander, Elgin town-officer, 164. 

Andrew, inhibition signed by, 79. 

James, master of ship " Lodovick and 

William" of Findhorn, his "charter 
party" in February 1685, 145, 150. 

John, his wife whipped, 162. 

Younger sons, 138-143. 

Youngson, Rev. Alexander, 240. 



Zealand, 150. 



1 



1 



EDINBURGH : T. CQjSrSTABLE, 
PRINTER TO THE QUEEN, AND TO THE UNIVERSITY. 



3477 
1274 



y 









- <=i 



**. " 



.> .^ '"-^ 







0^ s^"^- 




y} * ^ • " A 







■o 0' 



C^n 



^ x\^^ 






- "----I I III' it„y r A> '. 












-=i<y- 



^^ 



5 -^^ 










,0 



% ■:: ^' 



'^^ <4' ^'m^/>h,'''^ 






v^ 



i- 



.^^ 



.^"^ ^. ".■& 



rV"-:.o*^-;.X''->\ 









; ^^ v^ 







-^^-- "o4 



^ 1 i. ■ 



^ %i^^^^ 



^v ■r:>. 






^\^ 



'^. 




''■^ .<f 



-^r ■>s>% 



.."o 



^^'. - ^ 












V\^ <. ^ • « -C 



'/- 



A^ ■^V-^'^^''- 












-0- 



^ "^^^^^^^ 









0^' cO 






V. ' . 






> .-, ^ "^ 






.-V ^C 



\" ., V ^ 



aN 



-V 






^.. .,xv 



\' * 









.^ -Tt, 



,;^ ^. ^K^ ^^ 



^^^ 



>^^ 



'^^^'W", ^ .c;'^"^ 



''<^, 



^0^ 



,vi ^ <^ aie^jrr/yt-^ 






'' . -^ 



